Gabriel Jesus has explained how a conversation with Edu Gaspar this summer convinced him to join Arsenal straight away.

1 fc nurnberg v arsenal fc pre season test match 8
NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after their side’s fourth goal after an own goal by Tim Handwerker of 1. FC Nuernberg (not pictured) during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal F.C. at Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 08, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Arsenal summer signing Gabriel Jesus has made a big impression since joining from Manchester City, bagging three goals and an assist in his first two games of pre-season.

Jesus’ agent recently revealed that Chelsea tried hard to hijack Arsenal’s move, and there were other reports of interest from Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, but the Gunners landed their man all the same.

Speaking whilst on tour in the U.S., Jesus has explained that Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar played a key role in the transfer.

“First of all was when Edu came to talk with me and ask me how I am, how I’m feeling as a person and then after as a football player – what I want in the future,” Jesus said.

“I think the conversation between me and Edu was amazing. I was so happy with the project of the club. And then, straight [away], I say ‘yes, I think my way is in London’.”

Ultimately, that conversation meant Jesus was minded to turn down the likes of Chelsea when they came calling. Instead, he made his move to Arsenal and he’s looking good so far.

Gabriel Jesus celebrates his second goal on his pre-season debut for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Gabriel Jesus celebrates his second goal on his pre-season debut for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

After Jesus’ impressive pre-season debut, he earned plenty of praise from the media and the fans, with some speculating that his move to Arsenal had helped him stand out as the main man – rather than being a cog in the machine in Manchester.

But Jesus has pushed back against those theories, insisting he’s just trying to help the Gunners improve as a team.

“I don’t want to be (the) superstar, you know,” Jesus said. “I just want to play football, go on the pitch, help my teammates, like a family.

“I think we have to do everything together, outside the pitch, inside…

“I’m not here to be ‘the man’, I’m here to help, to learn with these guys as well, and to win together.”

Jesus is saying and doing all the right things so far. He just needs to keep it up as the pre-season fixtures get more difficult, before the new season gets underway.