“Haunt them”: Paul Merson thinks Arsenal will benefit from a £45m transfer mistake

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According to Paul Merson, Manchester City were wrong to allow Gabriel Jesus to join Arsenal in a deal worth £45m.

What’s the story?

Well, the move is yet to be officially announced by the Gunners, although it is all but done after the Brazilian was seen wearing the No.9 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City are also set to allow Raheem Sterling to join Chelsea, and Merson believes Pep Guardiola is making a big mistake in selling two “unsung heroes” in the same summer.

Speaking to Sports Keeda, the 54-year-old said: “Losing Jesus and Sterling – who in my opinion are the two unsung heroes of the Manchester City squad – could come back to haunt them later.”

We can’t help but agree.

Sterling and Jesus have been two of the most effective forwards in the Premier League over recent years, with both winning four Premier League titles at the Etihad Stadium.

They may not be among the outstanding players in the division such as Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, although over the course of a campaign, you need quality options like them when times get tough.

For example, Jesus scored 13 goals in 41 games last season, while also providing 12 assists as he filled in on the wings, proving to be a crucial squad player as Manchester City narrowly retained their Premier League title.

Of course, Guardiola now has Erling Haaland in his ranks, but if the Norwegian suffers a dry spell in front of goal, we have a feeling the Citizens will start to miss Sterling and Jesus.

Gabriel Jesus will shine at Arsenal

Due to frequent rotation by Guardiola, Jesus has never really been allowed to make the centre-forward position his own since arriving in the Premier League.

Now, however, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette gone, the stage is clear for the Brazil international to shine at the Emirates Stadium.

Under a manager who knows him well in Mikel Arteta, and with fellow Brazilians such as Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães to help him settle, we are expecting big things from Jesus in north London.