Ronaldinho believes Jesus will lead Arsenal back to Champions League

Football legend Ronaldinho has claimed Gabriel Jesus will show he is among the best players in the world this season because he is feeling “the love” at Arsenal.

And the ex-PSG, Barcelona and Milan superstar has backed his fellow Brazilian to lead the Gunners back into the Champions League - and even make a shock title challenge.

The former Manchester City striker has enjoyed a superb start to his Arsenal career by scoring seven goals in pre-season and then netting twice against Leicester City.

Jesus’ performances have helped Arsenal to sit top of the table after only two games alongside his former club City.

And his new coach Mikel Arteta has lavished him with praise and he has become an instant fan favourite. His inspired displays for the North London club have followed six seasons at the Etihad Stadium where he was never the first-choice striker - and Pep Guardiola did not stand in the way of his £45m transfer.

And 2005 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho, now 42, said: “When Gabriel joined Manchester City I said he would go on to be one of the best players in the world. When he was given a chance, he showed what he was capable of - but at Manchester City he was never shown the love a player of his quality deserves.

"At Arsenal he has been given the chance to be the focal point, he has been shown the love by the coach and the fans, and already he is repaying that. This season I expect big things from him - he will repay the love shown in him by showing he is not just one of the best players in The Premier League but also in Europe."

Arsenal slipped down to fifth place last year - and allowed Tottenham to seize the final Champions League spot - after losing the North London derby and a must-win game at Newcastle last season.

But Arteta has again been backed in the transfer market with Oleksandr Zinchenko (£32m) and Fabio Vieira (£34m) from Porto joining Jesus, 25, in a rejuvenated Arsenal.

Ronaldinho won the title in Brazil, Spain and Italy during a brilliant career where he also won the 2002 World Cup.

And the Brazilian predicted: “Arsenal will get back into the top four this season with the signings they have made - maybe they can even achieve more and challenge for the title. Manchester City look very strong and they will be favourites - but in football anything is possible.”

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