Mikel Arteta reveals the promising difference of Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal pre-season

Mikel Arteta has said there is 'something different' about Gabriel Jesus this summer as Arsenal look ahead to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Gunners had a string of results on their pre-season tour of the United States, losing 2-1 at Liverpool before thrashing Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 on their return to the Emirates Stadium. They will soon focus on the upcoming campaign as they try to knock Manchester City out of their place and win their first Premier League trophy in over two decades.

Brazilian striker Jesus could be the key to Arsenal's success this season and, according to Arteta, the 27-year-old 'really wants it'.

“The first feeling when I saw him after talking to him at the end of the season was that he was something different,” Arteta said after Arsenal's win at Leverkusen. “I felt that his strength was different, the way he looked was different, the way he moved was different. You really want it.

“Now it's about finding that consistency and doing it in any context, against any opponent, against any formation, any day, every three days, 90 minutes, 30 minutes, 70 minutes. If you're productive in those situations, the – looks good.”

Arteta was also quick to praise the relationship between Jesus and Kai Havertz. The German star spent the summer on international duty for his country at Euro 2024 but returned to the squad in time to make an impact in recent friendlies.

He added: “It's natural, it flows, there's good chemistry between them – and Leo [Trossard]. Three, they have that fake nine profile. I really like what I saw. You have to be very sensitive to read the details that the players give you.

“Individually, the chemistry they have within the unit, how things flow, one side and the other. It's definitely something we can still improve, especially on our left side. Those combinations give us options. They're all really, really good players so the competition is very big there.”

Arsenal face Lyon in the Emirates Cup on Sunday before hosting Wolves in their pre-season opener on August 17.

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