Arsenal stars Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have agreed in their verdict of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. The two players were signed from Manchester City last summer for a combined fee of £75million and have been key additions for Mikel Arteta.
The Ukrainian defender has become the Gunners' starting left-back ahead of Kieran Tierney. Jesus had an instant impact at the Emirates Stadium and was a revelation in attack for Arsenal before his long-term injury.
The Brazilian striker was sidelined for three months after sustaining a knee injury during the World Cup in Qatar. Jesus has now returned to full fitness as he prepares to help Arsenal fight for the Premier League title against his former side heading into the final 10 games of the season.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta explained Tottenham mistake Antonio Conte made amid sacking as Arsenal chase title
Ahead of England's Euro 2024 qualifier clash against Ukraine, Saka heaped praise on both Zinchenko and Jesus for their impact in Arteta's side. The 21-year-old said: "Zinchenko has brought quality - but he’s brought so much more.
"You can see how he plays and how he controls the game. He’s an outstanding player.
"He has great leadership qualities, so he’s really helping us on all fronts. They (Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus) have brought that winning mentality to us as players who have been there and won the league.
"In difficult moments they know how it feels, they can encourage us because we have a lot of young players. They really help us with the mental side of things."
Smith Rowe has agreed with Saka's assessment of the ex-City stars and has been impressed by the technical ability of the Ukraine international. The Hale End graduate said: "The mentality and the disappointment that we had last season, from pre-season, I could see on everyone’s face [they were focused].
"Obviously the likes of Zinchenko and Gabby Jesus, I felt like it changed the whole dynamic. They’ve been there, they know what it’s like to win stuff.
"I’d definitely say a lot of it is down to them two because their mentality was indescribable. I couldn’t believe it to be fair [Man City letting them leave to join Arsenal].
"Even in training, when I came back from training, they were so good. Obviously, Gabby got injured, but Zinchenko’s one of the best technical players I’ve ever seen.”
Jesus and Zinchenko have helped Arsenal become title challengers this season after winning four Premier League titles in five seasons at the Etihad Stadium. Both players will continue to be influential heading into the final stretch of the season as the Gunners target a first Premier League title since 2004.
READ NEXT:
Bukayo Saka, William Saliba: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds clash
Real Madrid eye Arsenal star striker as 'perfect' Karim Benzema replacement amid transfer plan
Mikel Arteta award, Premier League champions - pundits predict Arsenal end of season outcome
Seven players who regret leaving Arsenal amid Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey struggles
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
