Glen Johnson believes Chelsea should have signed Gabriel Jesus ahead of Arsenal
Former Premier League star Glen Johnson was baffled that Chelsea did not battle it out with Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners signed Jesus earlier this month for £45 million.
Speaking to GGRecon (h/t football.london), the former defender has claimed that his old side should have signed the striker and not their rivals. Jesus joined Manchester City in 2017 and has now moved on after five trophy-laden years at the Etihad.
“A striker that’s already performed within the Premier League is always better than a striker brought in from a different league. No offence to Arsenal, but I’m pretty certain that if Chelsea had wanted him he would have gone to Chelsea. It’s bizarre how he left and it’s bizarre where he’s landed.”
Jesus had 25 goal contributions last season, despite mainly playing as a right-winger. Such pace and versatility would have made him a fine addition to Thomas Tuchel’s squad. He is also a clinical finisher, something the Blues lack at this moment in time.
The 25-year-old forward showed his class during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States. The striker scored four goals in four games and opened the scoring of Arsenal’s trashing of Chelsea last Sunday. He was by far one of the best players on the pitch, a reminder of what the Blues missed out on.
Chelsea have their own problem in front of the goal. The London club has struggled to find the back of the net on a consistent basis. Despite having added Raheem Sterling to their attack, the problem persists.
Tuchel will be aware of that but the Blues are far from being linked with any forward this summer. Players such as Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz have all struggled in front of goal and their performances in pre-season are nothing to write home about either.
But this is in the past now. Jesus has signed for a rival and there is little that can be done about that. The present requires Chelsea to be prepared with a squad that is competitive enough for next season. Having signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Tuchel is currently looking for another centre-back.
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With Tuchel not showing any interest in any attacker, the current forwards will likely be trusted again next season. Chelsea fans will hope that their form improves and they can bag in goals, landing us silverware in the upcoming campaign.