Merson says new Arsenal signing Jesus misses chances

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports News – as per Football Daily – that new Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus misses chances but believes the Brazilian will be a good addition to Mikel Arteta’s signing because “they needed someone like him”.

Arsenal announced the eventual arrival of 25-year-old Jesus earlier this week, in a deal that is said to have cost the Gunners £45million. It comes after his contract at Manchester City entered its final year, and Erling Haaland’s arrival.

The Gunners had lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, and then Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has returned to his boyhood club Lyon, the club in which Arsene Wenger got him from when Arsenal gaffer.

Speaking about Jesus on Tuesday, Arsenal icon Merson said that Jesus is a good player and one that Arsenal needed to sign. But he was critical of the Brazil international, claiming he misses chances – though he does not “hide”.

“I thought it was a great signing, I really did,” Merson said. “He’s a good player, but he misses chances. But I like players that get into good positions to miss chances. He doesn’t hide, he’s a centre-forward and likes scoring goals.

“They needed someone like Jesus. They only had Nketiah, you need more than one centre-forward. I think Jesus ticks the boxes, I think it is a major, major coup for Arsenal Football Club.”