Gabriel Jesus explains role he played in convincing Zinchenko to sign for Arsenal | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus has recently opened up about his behind-the-scenes role in influencing Oleksandr Zinchenko to make a move to Arsenal.

The disclosure not only provides insight into how players may contribute to squad building off the pitch but also adds a layer of depth to the relationships formed between team members.

Gabriel Jesus was the first to agree a move to Arsenal from Manchester City, with Oleksandr Zinchenko following.

According to Jesus, Arsenal’s technical director Edu and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta were scheduled to meet Zinchenko at his house to discuss a potential transfer.

Edu texted Jesus, inviting him to be part of this discussion. Opting to fly instead of driving as initially planned, Jesus joined Edu and Arteta in their meeting with Zinchenko.

Jesus elaborated, “I was in Manchester, at home with my family and I was supposed to come to London the day after and come in by car.

“Edu just text me and said they were going to Zinny’s house, if I want to come to join them to talk with Zin and then I come by plane. So I say ‘OK.’ I went there and talked with him. He was surprised.

“If I helped a little bit he took the decision to come, I am happy because I like him as a player, as a person. I treat him as a brother and I am very happy he came. He is playing good, playing every time and more than this is very happy so I’m happy for him.

“I just said ‘Zina, you have to take a decision like I did and I am happy with this.’ He was a little bit ‘I don’t know, I need to talk with my wife first’ but he took the decision [to come]. I think if you ask him, it was the right decision.”