Jesus seals transfer to Arsenal from Manchester City for reported £45M
Arsenal's latest signing of the summer will likely go down as the most significant for the Gunners.
Weeks of speculation concluded Monday with Arsenal unveiling Gabriel Jesus as their newest addition, signing the 25-year-old from Manchester City to a long-term contract.
Jesus arrives at the Emirates Stadium in a transfer that reportedly cost Arsenal £45 million.
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"I'm very excited. The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature," manager Mikel Arteta said. "I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.
"This is a position that's been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I'm really happy."
Jesus joins a talented crop of youthful Arsenal forwards in Eddie Nketiah, who recently agreed to a five-year contract extension, and Brazilian compatriot Gabriel Martinelli.
Jesus became available after Manchester City completed a blockbuster transfer for superstar striker Erling Haaland. It's understood City's price tag for Jesus was based on a desire to recoup a large portion of the €60 million (£51.5 million) they committed to signing Haaland.
Jesus' agent Marcelo Pettinati revealed in May that his client was intrigued by the possibility of joining an Arsenal side managed by his former assistant coach at Manchester City, Mikel Arteta. From there, there were back-and-forth negotiations before Arsenal struck a deal with Jesus' representatives regarding a long-term contract.
Arsenal's sporting director Edu, along with Arteta, were said to be integral in completing a deal for Jesus, who becomes Arsenal's fourth signing following Marquinhos, Matt Turner, and Fabio Vieira. Arsenal are also in the market for another attacker; reports have linked them with a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha.
Jesus, who has appeared in 56 games for Brazil, scored 95 goals in 236 appearances after joining City from Palmeiras in 2017. He was a member of four Premier League-winning teams during his time in Manchester.