Mikel Arteta has said Gabriel Jesus has returned for pre-season with Arsenal with a ‘different energy’ as the forward looks to bounce back from a frustrating campaign last term.
Jesus impressed as Arsenal thrashed German champions Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 at the Emirates on Wednesday, with the Brazilian scoring the third goal with a fine individual run and long-range effort.
The 27-year-old scored just four league goals during a challenging 2023-24 season, in which Jesus struggled for form, fitness and favour in North London.
The emergence of Kai Havertz as a centre-forward option for Arteta has threatened Jesus’ immediate future with tentative speculation linking the striker with the Saudi Pro League.
However, Arteta has backed Jesus for a big season and praised the attitude of the player during Arsenal’s preparations for the campaign.
Inch-perfect from Gabby ????
Check out the highlights from tonight’s 4-1 victory ????
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 7, 2024
He said there is ‘something different’ about Jesus this summer as the forward looks to regain his place in the side.
“The first feeling when I saw him [this summer], it was something different,” Arteta said following the win over Leverkusen.
“I could sense it. The energy was different. The way he looks is different. The way he moves is different… he looks good.”
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