Arsenal technical director Edu has lifted the lid on the successful transfer negotiations which brought Gabriel Jesus to the club.
Jesus has been the marquee signing of the summer for the Gunners, arriving from Manchester City in a deal worth around £45million, and has hit the ground running with five goals in six games - including the opener in the 4-0 weekend thumping of Chelsea in Orlando.
Arsenal faced plenty of competition for Jesus's signature, with both Tottenham and Chelsea interested in the Brazilian before moving on to other targets, and Edu used his pre-existing relationship with his countryman to full effect.
"I worked with Gabriel as well from the national team," he told reporters. "I know him, I know his family, I know everyone and that’s why I decided to go there to talk to the family.
"I said to him one thing, which his agent said was really nice. I said: ‘Gabriel, I’m here to try to sign you, but not the Gabriel from this season, I want the Gabriel from the other seasons because this season you’ve not played the way I know you. You’ve lost your shine.
"'When I see you this season, I’m not seeing you as before because I know you very well. I want the Gabriel from last season because again you have to be Gabriel’.
"He looked at me and said: ‘You’re right’."
Jesus will make his first appearance for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Sevilla visit in the Emirates Cup.
