According to a report, Chelsea were close to signing forward Gabriel Jesus before the Brazilian opted to come to the Emirates in the summer.
THE LOWDOWN: POSITIVE START
Gabriel Jesus arrived from Manchester City in the summer as Arsenal’s marquee signing in a £45m deal. He has since morphed into the Gunners’ main man in attack after years of being ‘back-up’ to Sergio Aguero and often played on the wings by City boss Pep Guardiola.
Having scored seven goals in pre-season, his influence has already rubbed on the Arsenal team since the season began. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League log and Jesus has contributed three goals and three assists in six games already.
Although the 25-year-old has been enjoying his new role at the Emirates, a report has emerged that he could have been playing in the colours of Chelsea and not the red of Arsenal.
THE LATEST: CLOSE TO JOINING RIVALS
According to a report from The Athletic, Gabriel Jesus was ‘very keen’ to join Chelsea before he opted to sign for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
After the completion of last season, the Brazilian, who was entering his final year at the Eithad, was desperate to leave Manchester City and Pep Guardiola was ready to let Jesus go.
Several clubs including Real Madrid, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea all wanted to sign him as soon as he became available.
As per the report, the Blues were the 25-year-old’s first choice and not the Gunners. The move to Chelsea broke down when Thomas Tuchel informed the owners then that he didn’t want a new striker.
Although the German tactician changed his mind a few days later, but it was rather too late as the Gunners were already in the front seat, and in no time they got the deal done.
THE VERDICT: LUCKY ARSENAL
No surprise that Chelsea wanted to sign Gabriel Jesus, as his quality and immense Premier League experience can’t be found during the summer transfer window. His ability to play in the front three, being a hard worker and a devastating finisher makes his resume quite excellent.
Thankfully, Chelsea blew their chance to sign him this summer, and the Blues’ loss is proving to be the Gunners’ gain. Lucky Arsenal.