Chelsea pushed hard for new Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus, but to no avail reports journalist Freddie Paxton.
The transfer saga of the Brazilian was a long-winded one, but one well worth the wait from the Gunners’ perspective.
Since signing for Mikel Arteta’s side, the 25-year-old has shown fans globally the talent he possesses, and this is merely in pre-season - the tip of the iceberg.
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However, several teams, particularly Chelsea, were desperate for the transfer to fail, with Paxton being told by Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati:
“Chelsea were one of the teams that tried to hijack the Arsenal move."
"They tried very hard in the final days to get him."
"By that point, we’d already chosen our new project.”
Pettinati’s words are perhaps the most revealing as to the state of the Arsenal project, and the trajectory it is headed.
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A four-time Premier League winning star heading into the prime of his career, has opted for a move to the Emirates as opposed to the Champions League football on offer at Stamford Bridge.
This serves as a good omen as the transfer window progresses, with Arteta reportedly keen to continue adding to his squad:
“We’re still hoping to improve the team & make a few more changes."
"But again, the market will dictate our capacity to do this.”
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Arsenal this week completed the signing of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The midfielder joins as Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer, joining Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal are looking to do further business too, reportedly still targeting a new winger and central midfielder.
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They will also have to focus on sales, as they look to shift some dead-weight.
But for now, attention turns firmly to the pitch once again, as Arsenal take on Chelsea in the final match of their American tour.
For more information on how to watch the match, click here.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus, Chelsea, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Transfers