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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed that he played a part in convincing countryman Gabriel Jesus to join the club from Manchester City this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: DECENT START TO LIFE
Arsenal announced the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City early last month, much to the delight of the fans and he has already become a popular figure in the dressing room and one player the fans have enjoyed watching in the past few weeks.
The Brazilian played his part at Manchester City and has already announced himself to the Arsenal fans with his eye-catching performances in the preseason games. In total, he scored seven goals in pre-season, including a hat-trick against Sevilla. In his official debut at the win over Palace last Friday, the Brazilian had a decent shift and will now be looking forward to his first competitive goal in an Arsenal shirt.
Meanwhile, Magalhaes, who was a £27m signing from Lille two years ago, has revealed that he convinced his compatriot to join the Arsenal project over the summer.
THE LATEST: GOOD REPORT
It turns out manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu were not alone in convincing Gabriel Jesus to join Arsenal. In June, weeks before the 25-year-old’s arrival was finally confirmed, his namesake, ‘Gabriel’ Magalhaes, was also on the case.
“Gabriel is a really good guy,” the centre-back told Sky Sports when asked about his new team-mate. “Of course, it helps that we have the Brazilian link. When we were on international duty, we discussed his future and I was telling him, ‘Come to Arsenal! Come to Arsenal!'” “Maybe I had a bit of an influence there.”
“He is someone who is very focused and really enjoys working hard,” adds Gabriel. “He is here to improve the team and he is already doing that. He has come here with big expectations. He wants to achieve big things with Arsenal. I think he is really going to help us.”
The Gunners now have a growing Brazilian contingent and in ironic fashion, Jesus is now one of four Brazilians – and, of course, three Gabriels – in the Arsenal dressing room.
“Sometimes people shout, ‘Gabi, Gabi!’ and all three of us look around,” says Gabriel with a smile.
“But out on the pitch, one is Jesus, the other is Martinelli, and I’m Gabi. It’s a bit complicated for people, but it’s not so difficult for us. We talk a lot and we understand each other well.”
THE VERDICT: GOOD BRAZILIAN CONNECT
Last season, Gabriel started all but three of Arsenal’s Premier League games, playing more minutes than any of his teammates and making his presence felt in both boxes. In the end, he scored five goals for the team. The environment at the Emirates must have helped Gabriel Jesus settle in quickly.
Meanwhile, this season, all three Gabriels are expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s season and hopefully, it will end with a top-four finish and who knows, maybe a title.
