Oleksandr Zinchenko has disclosed that Gabriel Jesus acted as a 'secret agent' to help convince him to join Arsenal last summer. The Ukrainian international, who left Manchester City for the Gunners, revealed the story on TikTok's Footballers Lives channel.
According to Zinchenko, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta visited his home with a club director to discuss the project. During the meeting, Jesus unexpectedly arrived at the gate, having already completed his own transfer from City to Arsenal. 'There was just Gabriel Jesus behind my gate and I just said, "Nah, is this a joke?" So a secret agent came to my house,' Zinchenko recounted.
The pair have been instrumental in Arsenal's impressive season, with the team leading the Premier League for much of the campaign. Zinchenko has excelled as an inverted left-back, while Jesus, despite injury setbacks, scored a crucial stoppage-time goal in the recent 3-1 win over Manchester United.
Arteta, who previously worked with Zinchenko at City, praised the player's competitive edge upon his arrival. The manager's faith has been rewarded as both players have helped transform Arsenal into genuine title contenders.
