Paul Merson deems Gabriel Jesus signing a 'major coup' for Arsenal

Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has praised the Gunners for signing Gabriel Jesus this summer.

The Highbury icon reckons the north Londoners have pulled off a “major coup” in landing the Brazil international.

After weeks of speculation, Arsenal confirmed Jesus’ £45million arrival from Manchester City on Monday.

The Gunners were in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer.

Arsenal parted company with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, while Alexandre Lacazette has just left.

Now, Arsenal’s search for a new No. 9 is over as Jesus joins Eddie Nketiah in Mikel Arteta’s strikeforce.

And Merson, writing on Sky Sports, is pleased with the 25-year-old’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

“I thought this was a great signing, I really did.

“I think Gabriel Jesus is a good player – he misses chances, but I like players that get into positions to miss chances.

“He doesn’t hide, you know he’s a centre-forward. He likes scoring goals and I think they needed someone like Jesus.

“Arsenal only had Eddie Nketiah – you need more than one centre-forward, and I think Jesus ticks the boxes.

“I think it’s a major coup for Arsenal.”

Arsenal have landed “world-class” striker

Jesus, who former City teammate Ilkay Gundogan has called “world-class” (Goal.com), has won the Premier League four times.

He has 95 goals and 46 assists from 236 City appearances, plus 19 goals and 13 assists from 54 Selecao caps.

Young, talented and proven in the Premier League, Jesus is a truly superb addition to the Arsenal ranks.

He could potentially get his first Gunners minutes on Friday, when they face Nurnberg in their second pre-season friendly.

Arsenal’s first match of pre-season saw them run out 5-1 winners over Ipswich Town at the weekend.