After much unrest and uncertainty, Arsenal's new-look frontline is finally taking shape following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
To the relief of supporters, the Brazilian was confirmed as the club's fourth summer signing on Monday. It was a deal that had been rumbling on in the background for some time, with talks between Edu and Jesus' representatives taking place over the past few months, football.london understands.
Despite the lengthy wait, an agreement was finally struck, and Mikel Arteta secured one of his priority targets. Jesus joins a host of talented forwards at the club, with Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe set to play key roles alongside him.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus impresses in Arsenal training as Mikel Arteta's side prepare for Nurnberg clash
However, as Arteta hunted for attacking reinforcements, Jesus wasn't the only name looked at. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are said to be 'big admires' of Czech forward Adam Hlozek and showed interest in the 19-year-old earlier in the window.
It's believed that Hlozek was an option for the Gunners in the event of Nketiah leaving, but as we now know, that didn't end up being the case. Instead, the England U21 international put pen to paper on a new long-term deal before taking the iconic NO.14 shirt.
Once Nketiah committed to the club, any interest in Hlozek appeared to cool, and all focus was on finalising a deal for Jesus. Although a move to Arsenal failed to come to fruition, Hlozek eventually signed for Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £11m.
Viewed as an exciting talent with huge potential it's no surprise to learn that the youngster was being followed by many teams across Europe. For some at Arsenal, it could be viewed as another one that got away, but the idea of securing his signature in the future is still alive.
That's because Hlozek's father did not hide his son's admiration for Arsenal when confirming their interest during a recent interview with Czech outlet, RUIK.
"When Leverkusen was almost done, we heard about a huge intervention from Arsenal. But the negotiation was already a long way off," he said.
With long-standing interest and direct communication already being established with the player's camp, there's always a chance for it to be revisited one day. It's clear that Arsenal like him and vice versa, so as Jesus looks to make his mark in north London over the next few years, Hlozek has the opportunity to ensure he's next in line at the Emirates Stadium.
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