GABRIEL JESUS has made his debut for Arsenal – and took just 90 SECONDS to open up his account.
The Brazil star came off the bench to notch in the lively 5-3 win at Nurnberg.
On the transfer front, the Gunners are reportedly interested in signing Lyon's Lucas Paqueta, who Mikel Arteta is said to be pushing hard to get – with Newcastle also interested.
And, the Gunners are set to launch a new £30m bid for Youri Tielemans this week, SunSport can reveal.
The Gunners are confident of getting their man, who has rejected all contract offers from Leicester.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Gabriel Jesus
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Alex Cole
Merse backs Lazio ace for Arsenal
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign long-term Man Utd target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
In his column for the Daily Star Merson wrote: “Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the player I would go for.
“I think Milinkovic-Savic is a lovely player. A really top-drawer player.
“The way he played for Lazio last season I personally think he is the best midfield player in Italy.
“I know Manchester United have been linked with him in the past, but why there isn’t a queue of clubs lining up to buy the Serbian, I do not know.
“I think a lot of clubs are missing a trick.”
- Alex Cole
Top guns
Decent performance from the Arsenal today to welcome in the new season.
The new kit looked pretty good too…
Credit: Reuters - Alex Cole
FULL TIME: FC Nurnberg 3-5 Arsenal
It's five for Arsenal in Germany.
Jesus shows just what the Gunners payed for.
It turned into a goal-fest!!
A six-goal second half kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Read all the post-game analysis on SunSport's live game blog.
- Alex Cole
UPDATE: FC Nurnberg 2-2 Arsenal
In the 55th minute, Elneny pulls The Gunners level.
The Egyptian midfielder drilling the ball into the corner from close range.
In ten quick minutes, Arsenal have turned this game on its head.
- Alex Cole
Jesus walks
Gabriel Jesus has scored 90 SECONDS into his Arsenal career.
What a start!
The Brazilian striker immediately replies for Arteta's side.
- Alex Cole
HALF TIME: FC Nurnberg 2-0 Arsenal
The referee brings the first half to a close.
Something of a nightmare chain of events for anyone associated with the North London side.
Arteta needs to get throwing teacups in those changing rooms.
- Alex Cole
UPDATE: FC Nurnberg 2-0 Arsenal
Half an hour gone and it's bad news for Gunners fans.
Kwadwo Duah with a crisp finish to make it two!
The FC Nurnberg striker slotted into the far corner, just inside of the post.
Kieran Tierney is OFF. A half an hour return to fitness for him.
No sign of an injury so fingers crossed there.
- Alex Cole
Man Utd try to agree a deal for Martinez
ESPN report that Manchester United are pushing to agree a fee with Ajax for Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez, 24, is now wanted by Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag as they fail to “close the deal” for Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag managed the centre-back at the Dutch champions.
- Alex Cole
UPDATE: FC Nurnberg 0-0 Arsenal
19 minutes gone in Germany.
New signing Turner looks confident in between the sticks.
Shouting at his back four, letting them know what is around them.
- Alex Cole
FC Nurnberg vs Arsenal kicked-off!
We are underway at the Max-Morlock-Stadion.
Arsenal in their new-look strip get their pre-season started.
Follow along with SunSport's live blog.
- Alex Cole
Arteta's starting XI
Arteta also decided to hand a debut to goalkeeper Matt Turner, who also joined in the summer transfer window.
Hector Bellerin returns to the fold after his successful loan stint at Real Betis last season.
Turner and Bellerin are joined by youngster Reuell Walters, Pablo Mari and Kieran Tierney in defence.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Emile Smith Rowe link up in midfield.
Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah lead Arsenal's frontline.
Credit: Getty - Alex Cole
Who are Nurnberg?
Today's hosts have some history.
Nurnberg were the dominant force in German football in the 1920s but are now preparing for their fourth consecutive season in the second-tier of the German league.
The nine-time Bundesliga champions have made sporadic appearances in the top flight over the past decade and will have their eyes on promotion for the 2022/23 campaign.
- Alex Cole
Jesus on the bench
Arsenal fans have been left waiting for the introduction of Gabriel Jesus.
One would imagine he will switch for Nketiah at half-time or the hour mark.
- Alex Cole
Pre-season team news!
Matt Turner starts in goal
Hector Bellerin at the back
Eddie Nketiah leads the line
- Alex Cole
To 'Our Jack'
Arsenal tweeted a tribute to Wilshire following the announcement of his retirement.
It read: "Our Jack… For 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 game against Barca to 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 goal against Norwich, and everything in between – we love you.
"A star on the pitch and a supporter off it. You lived the dream. Congratulations on an incredible career."
- Alex Cole
ICYMI – Wilshere announces retirement
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from football aged 30.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Wilshere thanked his family, friends, former coaches and the fans after deciding to call it quits.
He is now expected to go into coaching, having reportedly been interviewed over vacant academy positions at the Emirates in recent weeks.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal pushing for Lyon midfielder Paqueta
Arsenal are "pushing hard" for a transfer for Lucas Paqueta.
The Lyon star is "considering a summer move".
Media Foot Marseille report the Gunners "seem determined in this case" and are pressing hard behind the scenes to try to move this forward.
- Alex Cole
Hours away from pre-season kick-off!
Away to Nurnberg is at 4.30pm.
"Who fancies a bit of football, then?"
- Etienne Fermie
Marco Asensio next club odds
Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve priced Jurgen Klopp’s side at 4/1 to clinch his signature this summer.
However, the Merseyside heavyweights still trail frontrunners AC Milan, who are available at odds-on 4/6.
But this isn’t a two-horse race.
- Etienne Fermie
Merse backs Lazio ace for Arsenal
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
In his column for the Daily Star Merson wrote: "Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the player I would go for.
"I think Milinkovic-Savic is a lovely player. A really top-drawer player.
"The way he played for Lazio last season I personally think he is the best midfield player in Italy.
"I know Manchester United have been linked with him in the past, but why there isn't a queue of clubs lining up to buy the Serbian, I do not know.
"I think a lot of clubs are missing a trick."
- Etienne Fermie
Arteta shows he's still got it
Mikel Arteta showed he's still very much got it with a stunning piece of skill during one of Arsenal's pre-season training sessions.
The Gunners have been in Germany for the last few days preparing for their pre-season opener against Nurnberg this afternoon.
And the former midfielder showed he's still got one hell of a first touch during a training drill.
Arteta reminded Arsenal fans of his silky skills with a delectable touch and turn on the edge of the box that left playmaker Martin Odegaard for dead.
- Etienne Fermie
More from Wilshere's retirement statement
In announcing his retirement, Wilshere added: "In truth it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give.
“Having played at the highest level I have always held huge ambitions within the game and if I am truthful I did not envisage being in this position at times.
“However, having had time to reflect and talk with those closest to me I know that now is the right time and despite the difficult moments I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.
"Playing at the very highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my club and representing my country were beyond my wildest dreams when I was a small boy growing up in Hitchin.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn’t for the love and support of so many people.”
- Etienne Fermie
Wilshere message to Arsenal fans
In a heartfelt letter to Gooners everywhere amid his retirement, Jack Wilsher wrote: "To the best supporters on the planet, all of you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
“To play for you all has been a privilege. You've always made me feel supported and I hope I did you proud representing your club. I'll never forget how you always backed me and I'll forever be a Gooner.
“I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime. Now is the right time to close this chapter but I still have so much to give to the game and I am excited about what the future holds.”
- Etienne Fermie
Wilshere next job revealed
Former Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere is set to return to his former club as Under-18s head coach.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that the appointment is being finalised, with the 30-year-old's backroom staff taking shape.
Wilshere will be assisted by Adam Birchall and Julian Gray.
- Etienne Fermie
Jack Wilshere retirement statement
In a lengthy farewell message posted to social media, Wilshere wrote: "Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.
“It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career.
“From being the little boy kicking the ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup. I have lived the dream.”
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