Paul Merson says Gabriel Jesus' return could be 'a problem' for Arteta

‘He didn’t sign to be a bit-part player like he was at Man City’: Paul Merson claims Gabriel Jesus’ return to the Arsenal side could be ‘bit of a problem’ for Mikel Arteta as he will ‘want to play’

By JONATHAN ROSE FOR MAILONLINE

Paul Merson has claimed Gabriel Jesus’ return to the Arsenal side could be ‘bit of a problem’ for Mikel Arteta as he will ‘want to play’.

The Brazilian forward had missed the Gunners last 12 Premier League games after picking up a knee injury during the World Cup in Qatar. 

However, the 25-year-old came off the bench to play for the first time since November in Sunday’s 3-0 victory at Fulham.

‘Gabriel Jesus coming back is a bit of a problem for Arsenal because the lad will want to play – he didn’t sign to be a bit-part player like he was at Man City,’ the ex-Arsenal and England winger told Sky Sports.

‘It will cause problems in time but at the moment it’s like another signing.’

Merson continued: ‘Arsenal’s performance in the first half at Fulham was mind-blowing.

‘It was like watching Man City in their pomp and this was against a good Fulham team. It was scary. It was bordering on ridiculous.