Gabriel Jesus names his preferred position after Arsenal signing | OneFootball

New Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus insists he’s a number nine, even if he is capable of playing various positions across the front line.

Arsenal finally announced the signing of Gabriel Jesus on Monday, confirming the forward’s transfer from Manchester City on a long-term deal.

There’s been some debate over exactly what position Jesus might play, having spent time out on the wings in Manchester.

But when the question was put to Jesus in his opening Arsenal interview, his answer was emphatic.

“I’m a number nine!” Jesus insisted. “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.”

Presumably, that was part of what drew Jesus to Arsenal in the first place. As well as the chance to link up with Mikel Arteta and his admiration for Thierry Henry, the Gunners are also a club that will probably use him in his best position.

Arteta has Eddie Nketiah on a new long-term deal, but he’s lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette this year. He needs options at centre-forward.

Jesus can fill that gap, but it’s also encouraging to hear that he does primarily see himself in the position.

Having to convince a player to play a role they don’t want to play is always an unnecessary distraction.

Jesus has signed for Arsenal on a five-year deal, after providing 25 goal contributions for Manchester City last season. The Gunners will hope for a similar output in North London.