Gabriel Jesus makes Ethan Nwaneri and Phil Foden comparison amid Arsenal goalscoring admission

Gabriel Jesus has backed Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri to become as good as Manchester City and England star Phil Foden.

Nwaneri stole the limelight yet again on Wednesday night with a stunning goal against Preston North End that made him the youngest player ever to net on his first two starts for Arsenal. Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta admitted that the 17-year-old is edging closer to a first team breakthrough with his levels of performance.

The hype surrounding the youngster is reminiscent of Foden's rise at City seven years ago. Jesus was at the Etihad Stadium at the time, and believes Nwaneri has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of last season's PFA Player of the Year.

"I have been with some special youngsters, like you say Phil and with Cole [Palmer] as well and also [James] McAtee at City," Jesus said after the game at Deepdale. "So to see Ethan in training and in the game is good, because I am a fan of football. So when I see someone young with this quality, I am happy.

"I want him to grow, grow, grow and then if he needs something from me, personally, I am here to help him because I am 27. I am young, but I have been in this game for a few years.

"I saw people, I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world. So, I wish, I really wish, Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it’s a question of time for him to shine."

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It was a great night on a personal level for Jesus as well. The Brazilian was able to register his first competitive goal since January and backed himself to stay on the scoresheet if he keeps getting opportunities.

"When people say since January, it looks like it’s a long, long time," he said. "Obviously, it’s nine months and I understand. But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager] or something like that, I am just saying the truth.

"But I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there.

"Then when I have my opportunities to play my minutes, I try to help the team and also I think now I am more focused on goals. Before I was less focused, but now I am more focused to shot because before I didn’t shoot a lot. Now, I think what has changed for me is I try to look for the goal. It’s good to be back scoring and then obviously I want to keep scoring when I have my chance."

Jesus has come under fire for his lack of goals in recent months, with some reports even suggesting that Arsenal would be open to selling him if the right offer came in. The 27-year-old insists he is not listening to the outside noise though and will continue to focus on doing his best for Arsenal now that he is over a series of injury problems which blighted him last season.

"I am the type of guy who works, always," he said. "Obviously, I am not happy when I don't play. I am not happy when I play and score, and the team don't win. I always want to work, work, work and then I improve where I have to improve.

"Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff, that people don't understand. They are not in the club, they don't understand, but I am not here to make excuses. I am here to work, try to be fit and then, like I said, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win."