Arsenal tipped for silverware as Gabriel Jesus closes in on £45m transfer

Paul Merson has backed Arsenal for a successful season as the club close in on their fourth signing of the summer.

Gabriel Jesus underwent a medical on Tuesday ahead of a proposed £45m move from Manchester City, with the Brazilian set to follow Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira into the Emirates Stadium.

While last season ended in disappointing fashion, Mikel Arteta’s young side showed significant signs of improvement by finishing fifth, offering optimism that the long-term “process” so often talked about is indeed working.

The signing of a new striker was Arteta’s priority this summer following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette over the past two windows, with Jesus identified as their leading target.

Expected to take the No.9 shirt following Lazacette’s departure, the forward is also capable of operating in wide positions, leaving open the prospect of creating a partnership with Eddie Nketiah.

Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, tipped his former club for success given their summer business thus far.

"I like what Arsenal have done to get that over the line,” he said.

“I think they’re in for a good season. There’s a project going on and they’ll be fighting for fourth place with Man United and Tottenham.

“If they can get into the Champions League and have a good cup run - the Europa is winnable - with the squad they’re building they’ve got a chance of getting some silverware this season.”