Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Gabriel Jesus tipped to be Arsenal superstar as Ronaldinho reveals what was missing at Man City

Gabriel Jesus Oleksandr Zinchenko Arsenal 2022 TEAMtalk1

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho is confident striker Gabriel Jesus will blossom after being given a chance to shine at Arsenal.

Jesus, 25, swapped the Etihad for north London last month after more than five years at Manchester City. He made 236 appearances in all competitions, scoring 95 goals, with 58 of those coming in the Premier League. However, the Brazilian was forced to play second fiddle to Sergio Aguero early in his City career.

And Pep Guardiola also chose to start him on the bench while beginning many games without a recognised striker. But Jesus rarely let his manager down, scoring crucial goals when called upon.

He has now opted for a fresh challenge with the Gunners and already made his mark, scoring two goals against Leicester City.

The Brazil international looks at home in his new surroundings. And Ronaldinho expects his compatriot to thrive now he is considered the main man in attack.

“When Gabriel joined Manchester City I said he would go on to be one of the best players in the world,” he told The Mirror. “When he was given a chance, he showed what he was capable of. But at Manchester City he was never shown the love a player of his quality deserves.

“At Arsenal he has been given the chance to be the focal point, he has been shown the love by the coach and the fans, and already he is repaying that.

“This season I expect big things from him. He will repay the love shown in him by showing he is not just one of the best players in the Premier League but also in Europe.”

Jesus to inspire top-four finish

Arsenal failed in their bid to qualify for this season’s Champions League as Tottenham pipped them right at the death last term.

It was a frustrating end to an improved campaign for the capital outfit. And they have started 2022-2023 in great form, with back-to-back victories.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit second in the standings behind the Citizens and have a perfect record. And Ronaldinho is adamant that the men in red and white will return to Europe’s elite club competition next season.

“Arsenal will get back into the top four this season with the signings they have made,” he added. “Maybe they can even achieve more and challenge for the title.

“Manchester City look very strong and they will be favourites – but in football anything is possible.”

Arsenal are next in action on Saturday when they travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth. Jesus has found the net eight times from his past nine top-flight appearances after a strong end to 2021-2022.

And he will hope to keep up his stunning form as Arteta’s charges look to make it three in a row this term.

READ MORE: Arsenal’s new winger hopes depend on Nicolas Pepe, but Manchester United could scupper transfer