Gabriel Jesus opens up about reasons for Arsenal transfer from Manchester City

Gabriel Jesus has reaffirmed his reasoning for leaving Manchester City for Arsenal this summer.  

Jesus, who spent six seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles, departed Manchester for North London earlier this summer. 

The Brazilian scored 95 goals and helped the club to four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups, and a spot in the Champions League final during his five-year stay. 

The main issue for Jesus was his spot within head coach Pep Guardiola’s squad, with a traditional striker not being a constant feature, and the Catalan instead opting to deploy a false-nine tactic following the departure of club-record goalscorer Sergio Aguero.  

During the 2021/22 season, the 25 year-old made 41 appearances for the Blues, with 28 of those coming within the Premier League.

The second lowest amount of appearances during Jesus’ time with Manchester City.

As the Brazilian is only 25-years-old, playing time was high on his list of priorities, something the now-Arsenal striker alluded to when discussing his exit from the defending Premier League Champions. 

“I was not unhappy at Manchester City, I just wanted to play and the club understood,” the Brazilian told Premier League productions .

Former Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were the destination for the forward, who left the Sky Blues for £45 million fee in July. 

Jesus wasn’t the only City player to make a move to North London in search of consistent minutes, as Oleksandr Zinchenko departed the Etihad for the Emirates over a lack of playing time in the midfield.

Since joining the Gunners, Jesus has enjoyed considerable playing time, appearing in every pre-season game, as well as starting in both Premier League fixtures - scoring two goals and grabbing two assists. 

Both of Jesus’ goal involvements came on Saturday against Leicester City, where his brace helped the Gunners to three points. 

The 25-year-old was elated about his brace against the Foxes, especially as it came against a familiar opponent. 

“I am so happy because we played so good against a tough opponent.”

“I work all day every day to score goals,” said the Brazilian.

When at Manchester City, Jesus had a formidable record against The Foxes, scoring five goals in nine appearances. 

Jesus played a key role in City's title run-in last season, scoring a hat-trick against Watford and also a key goal against Liverpool back in April.