Mikel Arteta was quite open about his intention to raise the bar of Arsenal’s squad this summer, knowing that it would take big money to do exactly that. However, following another disappointing conclusion to the Gunners’ season, albeit a slight improvement, the Spaniard knew the club didn’t have much choice.
A year on from splashing just over £150million on six new players, Arsenal parted ways with another £120million as Manchester City and Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus took priority in Edu’s transfer plans which also included deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira.
With four Premier League titles and 116 goals to his name, Jesus’ arrival was met with immense excitement and huge expectations. But when you look at the bigger picture, it was a move that made so much sense for both player and club.
ALSO READ: Arsenal have already signed perfect Gabriel Magalhaes alternative with trait Mikel Arteta loves
Jesus' attitude is immaculate, his talent exquisite, and his influence powerful. Combining all of those things with his established relationship with Arteta from their time at City, there was only ever going to be one outcome - success. Granted, it's still early days, but the impact he has had on Arsenal's incredible start to the season is already noticeable.
The 25-year-old has racked up five goals so far this season, currently making him the club's top scorer in all competitions. Yet he's not just a scorer, he's also a leader and creator, as his five assists prove, but even then, you get the sense that Jesus is only getting started.
Despite his obvious flair, it wasn't always plain sailing for the Brazilian in Manchester due to Sergio Aguero understandably being Guardiola's first-choice striker more often than not. However, speaking to Stake.com, the City legend heaped praise on Jesus and explained his delight for his former teammate.
"Gabriel has always had good respect. He's truly a complete player," Aguero said. "Now, he's been able to secure a place among the main squad for Arsenal, and his team has many young players with a hunger for glory. [Mikel] Arteta has really been able to imbue it with his style. This has all set up Gabriel to be a key piece of the team, and I'm very happy for it."
Although Arsenal sit top after winning eight of their opening nine league games this season, Aguero is unsure if the Gunners will remain Man City's only challenges but still expects them to be in and around the title race. "We're on the first stage of a Premier League that will be different from many others – by and large because we'll have a World Cup in the middle of it.
"That makes it harder to foresee how it'll turn out. Consistency is the name of the game to win the title, and the missing piece is knowing in what condition each player will rejoin their clubs after the World Cup. Arsenal will probably be one of those teams but surely not the only one," Aguero added.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal face threat of technical director Edu's exit as ‘interest’ develops in recruitment lead
Mikel Arteta to perform Bukayo Saka U-turn as Arsenal summer signing disappoints on home debut
Why Gabriel Jesus was absent from Arsenal training ahead of Bodo/Glimt
Mikel Arteta's genius Arsenal decision vs Liverpool is the £25m catalyst for Edu transfer spree
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
