Ray Parlour has shared that he has been ‘really impressed’ by Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus in pre-season, as he told Sky Sports.
The Highbury hero added ‘what a replacement’ Jesus seems to be for the recently-departed Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazete, who re-joined Lyon this summer.
From Jesus’ two pre-season games for Arsenal, he has scored three goals and left a big impression on his new fans, who are expecting big things from the player.
At Manchester City, there was superstar after superstar that Jesus was competing and playing alongside, but it’s not the same case at Mikel Arteta’s young and ever-progressing team.
But with Jesus getting comfortable in Arsenal colours, Parlour is loving the transfer call his former side have made on the player and the noises he is already making.
“I have been really impressed with him,” said Parlour. “He’s fitted in like a glove. Sometimes you don’t hit the ground running, but in pre-season, he has looked very sharp.
“A brilliant signing. Losing Lacazette and you had to replace him. But what a replacement.”
OPENING GAME AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE
Last season, when Arsenal kicked off the Premier League season against Brentford, they were outclassed by the newly-promoted side on Friday night.
They are going to be opening the 22/23 season again, also on a Friday night, but this time against the more established Crystal Palace.
Arteta watched his team suffer a costly defeat against Patrick Vieira’s men at Selhurst Park last season and this opening test will be a big one.
The Gunners have rightly been lauded for the work they have done this summer, but it will hit a brick wall if they showcase the same problems against Palace.
Whilst someone like Jesus will more than certainly improve the quality, can the four-time Premier League winner change the club’s mindset?
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