‘Terrifying’: Club Legend ‘Disappointed’ By £45M Arsenal Deal

Trevor Sinclair admits he’s disappointed to see Premier League champions Manchester City sell Gabriel Jesus but thinks the striker will be ‘terrifying’ at Arsenal, speaking to talkSPORT (29 June, 11.20am).

Between them, Arsenal’s three centre-forwards – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah – scored just 13 league goals across 2021/22.

Jesus, in contrast, got eight all on his own. And that’s despite the fact that he started just over 50 per cent of Man City’s matches. What’s more, when the Brazilian did play from the beginning, he was more often than not fielded in a wider role.

Now, if Jesus can boast such a prolific goals-per-minute record as something of a bit-part player under Pep Guardiola, imagine what he could do as the main man at Arsenal. Especially with Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith-Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and co providing enough ammunition to blast holes through any backline.

Arsenal close to signing Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus

“I will say I am massively excited about watching Jesus,” says Sinclair. “Because I feel he’s ready to go.

“I’m disappointed he’s leaving Manchester City. I think he’s one of those slow burners. We’ve seen him at Manchester City as a boy, and now we’re gonna see the man at Arsenal. And I think he’s going to be terrifying.”

According to the BBC, Jesus underwent medical tests in North London on Tuesday. A £45 million move to the Emirates Stadium is edging closer by the hour. Whichever way you look at it, a 25-year-old, four-time Premier League champion yet to realise his fearsome potential looks a substantial upgrade on a wasteful Lacazette, a disinterested Aubameyang and an inconsistent Nketiah.

But whether Jesus Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira are enough to lift Arsenal into the Champions League places – at the expense of Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur – is anyone’s guess.

“I just feel Tottenham have done some good business. Chelsea are doing business. And obviously Liverpool and Man City are the ones to catch,” Sinclair says, tipping the Gunners for a second successive fifth-place finish.

“So I’m gonna say (Arsenal will finish) the same (as last season).”

A full-back, a left-footed centre-half, a midfielder and a winger remain on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist. Lisandro Martinez could still arrive, though Raphinha looks bound for Chelsea.

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