Arsenal's latest signing Gabriel Jesus has revealed the influence Pep Guardiola had on the Brazilian's £45million transfer to the Emirates.
Jesus is currently training with his new teammates as part of the Gunners' four-day training camp in Germany before they face Bundesliga 2. side Nurnberg, with the friendly taking place at the 50,000-capacity Max-Morlock Stadion on Friday, July 8. The Brazilian striker is Mikel Arteta and Edu's fourth addition to the squad this summer following the arrival of Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira.
Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Youri Tielemans, Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Grimaldo so far this summer with more additions expected before the transfer deadline. Speaking to GOAL in his first external interview after signing for the Gunners, Jesus has compared Arteta and Guardiola's tactics admitting he 'trusts' the Arsenal boss.
In an interview with GOAL, Jesus admitted he believes Arteta and Guardiola play similar systems and that will help him adapt to life in north London. The 25-year-old said: "I was pretty sure I would come to Arsenal, but after I talked to Mikel, I was 100 per cent sure.
"I trust in him. I trust in this big club, I trust in myself, and the players as well."
The Brazilian forward scored 95 goals in 233 appearances for Manchester City but decided to leave the Etihad after five years in search of a new challenge and regular first-team football. The arrival of Erling Haaland and refusal to sign a new deal at City allowed the Gunners to bring Jesus to north London as the 25-year-old prepares for life leading the Arsenal attack.
"I have already worked with Mikel, so I I know his ideas a little bit. I know the way he wants to play. I think it is quite similar to Pep Guardiola and I think that fits well. I've come to try to help the guys and I'll try to learn with them as well," Jesus continued.
Arteta was part of Guardiola's coaching staff at City for three years from 2016 before being appointed as Unai Emery's replacement at the Emirates. Both managers have links with Barcelona and it's clear to see from the way both teams play that there are similarities in their philosophies and tactics.
Jesus is expected to make his first appearance for the Gunners on Friday against Nurnberg. The Brazilian also spoke about how settled he feels already at the club, labelling the culture as a 'big family'.
"I am so happy with the group. It was good to see everyone when I joined the club for the first day," the Brazilian added.
"It is a big family here. We are going to play well, train well and at the end of the season, I am pretty sure, we are going to win something."