Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus says Everton defender Yerry Mina ‘talks s***’ and questions ex-Palmeiras teammate as Mikel Arteta hints at Eddie Nketiah partnership

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has opened up on his confrontation with Everton defender Yerry Mina in pre-season.

Despite the friendly nature of the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over their Premier League rivals on Sunday, the two former Palmeiras teammates were involved in several altercations.

Arsenal TV

Arsenal TV

And following Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Orlando on Wednesday, Brazil star Jesus did not hold back when speaking about the Colombia defender.

“You know what, I have played with Mina before in Palmeiras,” Jesus said.

“We were so close to each other. Then, after, I don’t know why he started to attack me to do something like this on my chest and then talking s***. I don’t know why.

“I don’t know the reason for him to do this. At the end, I am not a kid anymore, and I go straight to him as well. After we won the game, and that’s all.”

Jesus has impressed in pre-season since joining Arsenal in a £45million deal from Manchester City.

The 25-year-old’s arrival followed a new contract for Eddie Nketiah, ending fears the England youth star could leave on a free transfer this summer.

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Nketiah struck moments after Jesus’ half-time introduction in the victory over Orlando and, suddenly, Mikel Arteta has options in attack.

There were concerns over the Gunners’ firepower up front following the exits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Nketiah was expected to provide cover for Jesus but after showing a clear chemistry on the pitch in pre-season, Arteta admits he could use them as a front two.

The Spaniard said: “We want to build those relationships, and they haven’t played a lot of minutes together yet. The same with Martin and Gabi, for example, and we have to start to do that.

“We obviously do it in training, but to put it in practice in matches, it’s important, and you can see that they are finding themselves with good timing, and it’s important because there are two players with a big goal threat.”

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