Date: 4th August 2022 at 6:00am
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In a recent interview, Granit Xhaka shared his insight on a number of topics, including Gabriel Jesus’ arrival and Arsenal‘s chances for the new season.

THE LOWDOWN: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW SEASON

Like many Arsenal fans, Granit Xhaka is equally looking forward to the 2022/23 campaign with excitement. The Gunners have looked brilliant in pre-season, with a 100% record highlighted by comprehensive wins over Chelsea and Sevilla.

Much of that excitement is down to the stellar performances of Gabriel Jesus, with the new £45m man hitting the ground running in no time. The Brazilian has quickly become a favourite among fans and in the dressing room, attracting praise from captain Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah.

Granit Xhaka is the latest to speak highly of Jesus and with Arsenal back in Europe, the Swiss international believes the Gunners can challenge competitively on all fronts.

THE LATEST: JESUS CONTINUES TO FLATTER

Much has been made about how Jesus will improve Arsenal’s frontline and Xhaka only had positive words to say in that regard.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Xhaka said about his new teammate: “It’s very exciting. First of all I love his attitude, his hunger to achieve something, to win something. He’s come from a team who have already won everything, and he gives us the hunger, the belief and the quality. But as well he’s a very humble guy. Very open, you can be serious with him, you can joke with him. This is what we need at this football club.”

“He’s a very high-quality player, very quick, very sharp. He’s not scared to go in for a 50-50 ball. With him and Eddie now up front we have two guys who can be very dangerous for the opponent. He’s scored already in the friendlies, hopefully he can keep doing that.”

Arsenal missed out on a Champions League spot last season but Xhaka believes the squad are in a much better shape to achieve their targets this time around.

“The signings that we made give us something more than winning, they give us the mentality of how to win and the quality, of course. It’s like a puzzle, you need the quality, of course, but if it doesn’t fit in with the team, it’s very difficult to achieve something.”

“The signings all fit very well in the team, year by year we get much better. It’s easier to speak than to do it, for sure, but I have a very good feeling that we will be ready for the start against Crystal Palace away and let’s see and hope that we can achieve the goals that we have.”

THE VERDICT: POSITIVE VIBES ALL OVER

Asides Mikel Arteta, Xhaka is about the fifth player to wax lyrical about Gabriel Jesus and does say a lot. The Brazilian already has a strong chemistry with his new teammates and that should help his cause as he becomes the club’s focal point in attack.

Talking about Arsenal’s chances, a realistic ambition for the Gunners should be a top-four finish at the very least and going all the way in the Europa League.

 

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