Gabriel Jesus endured a difficult season for Arsenal highlighted by injuries and inconsistent form, yet Mikel Arteta might already know how to get the best out of the Brazilian.
The 27-year-old attacker was a revelation for the Gunners in the first-half of last season, with Jesus spearheading Arsenal’s attack as the north London side took a commanding lead of the Premier League table heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Yet as we all remember, injury out in Qatar put Jesus out of action for months, and the former Manchester City man has yet to really recover from the setback, so much so that reports indicate that the forward could be sold this summer if a good offer comes in.
However, all might not be lost for Jesus, and the forward has already stated how Arteta can get the best out of him.
Shift out wide could be what Jesus needs to revive Arsenal career
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News back in 2021, Jesus revealed that he is comfortable playing out wide, a change that Arteta could use in the new season in an attempt to get the best out of the Brazilian.
Indeed, we have in fact seen Jesus used in this sort of role already this season, with the former City man used out wide against Pep Guardiola’s side in both Premier League games, as well as in wins against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.
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With a good enough run-out in these positions, Jesus could find his feet again in the Arsenal XI, and the forward’s previous comments on playing out wide paint a picture that could be game-changing for the Gunners.
Jesus said: “I feel comfortable out wide and can help my teammates and my team. I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help in defending. “As I say, I feel comfortable there. I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help defend so it’s all good and suits my game.”
Jesus deserves one more season to prove himself at Arsenal
It’s easy to forget just how electric Jesus was in those first few games at Arsenal, with the £45m signing from City looking like the real deal and a future Emirates Stadium icon in the making.
And whilst this season has been a struggle for Jesus, a full summer to recover followed by a completed pre-season could be what’s needed to breathe new life back into the Brazilian, as well as a potential position change.
At 27, Jesus is about to hit the peak of his career, and cashing in on the Brazilian at this stage might be a foolish endeavor from Arsenal, who know that they have a special player on their hands.