Gabriel Jesus has emphatically stated that he is a centre-forward after he completed his transfer to Arsenal.
The Brazilian is expected to become Mikel Arteta’s main man in attack in this campaign.
He has been their target for a long time, and he is finally one of their own.
Arsenal has lost Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the last six months, and they needed a new striker.
Jesus proved he can be the goal-scorer they require during his spell at Manchester City, and the fans expect him to deliver the goals.
At the Etihad, he played in different roles, and there has been confusion about his best position.
However, the Brazil international sees himself as a number 9, and he has reiterated that.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, Jesus said: ‘I’m a No 9! I’m a striker, you know.
‘I’m so glad and I thank God every day that I can be alive, and that I can play in three or four different positions, but I think my position is nine.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
Although we have handed Eddie Nketiah a new deal, and he looks prepared to become a key member of our team, Jesus is likely to be our number nine.
We have not spent all that money on him to play him on the wings, and we have Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka who can play those roles.
It remains unclear what formation Mikel Arteta will employ, but Jesus will certainly start as a centre-forward.
I like Nketiah as a winger as well – could be a good option to get both on the same pitch at times. Really interested to see how we play with these forwards.
Still think a different type of striker as an addition would make a big difference to our prospects over the course of the season
Couldn’t agree more but jesus is our no9 and who would come, decent to play second fiddle?
It would have to be someone relatively unproven, or a bit older and happy to do a job, I think.
That is why Nketiah (again) was for me a great signing. 31m overall for 5 years. If he had not sign who would we find now to play as a back up, homegrown (because we need some) for lets say 10m ? Not mentioning a 40/50k per week ?! For a team that will compete on PL, UEL and cups, we are now better only searching one more guy
Jesus and Nketiah up front…. 4-4-2?….Just wondering.
Doubtful, after investing in Vieira and Odegaard as creators, that would leave Partey alone in the midfield.
Also what a waste to drop Martinelli and Saka further back, it would further hamper the attack.
Not to mention we would have no backup striker if Nketiah and Jesus both start, and silly to drop Martinelli in favor of Nketiah.
Vieira is unproven and Odegaard too slow for either to be LM or RM.
I suspect a 4-3-3 and even 3 CB at times, depending on his tactics.