What is the best position for Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus?

Suraj Radia

• 4 Jul 2022 08:58 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have completed the signing of Gabriel Jesus to bolster their attacking quality but the Manchester City forward's best position has always proven a contentious topic.

Jesus' transfer fee is £45 million (€52m) and he will immediately improve Arsenal's striking options, although it is not completely certain that he will play up front for them.

Jesus has been shuffled around the front line throughout his career, starting on the left-wing in Brazil before moving more central after joining City.

This past season he often played in a new right-wing role for Pep Guardiola's side, grabbing eight goals and eight assists in the league.

With Arsenal splashing the cash, the question must be asked, where is Jesus' best position?

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Is Jesus the saviour Arsenal need?

The Gunners were significantly more goal-shy than any of the teams in the top four, netting just 61 times, eight less than fourth-placed Tottenham.

Therefore it is no surprise that they have been in the market for a new forward, having also lost Alexandre Lacazette as well as not replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left in January.

However, Arsenal's biggest issue is not having a reliable goalscorer and Jesus, although adequate, has often frustrated City fans with his finishing.

Indeed, part of the reason City were willing to cash in on him is because Jesus has often proved inconsistent as a reliable goal threat.

His 58 goals in 159 Premier League games for City is a respectable record, however his xG during that time is 76, meaning he had scored 18 goals less than expected to based on his chances.

Conversely, the Brazilian also had 29 assists during his time at City despite an xA of just under 20, showcasing that he can create chances more efficiently than scoring them.

All of Jesus' goals for City came from inside the box and his output was similar irrespective where he played.

The 25-year-old's versatility may be the key to any success at Arsenal as he has utilised his work rate, speed and technical ability regardless of his position.

Jesus himself previously stated he preferred to play out wide, saying: "In my mind, I was always more of a winger than a forward. I think that with my qualities, I help more from the wing than from the centre."

With Jesus' finishing still a work in progress, the Gunners may struggle if he is expected to be the goalscorer to lead their line.

However, if Arsenal can pair him with a true finisher, they will be getting the best out of a player who will always deliver no matter what role he plays.