Gabriel Jesus revealed he had doubts about a move to Arsenal before speaking to two key members of the club's hierarchy.
Arsenal travel to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in the hope of regaining eight Premier League points against nearest rivals Manchester City.
Despite Liverpool's shaky form, they have only lost once at home in the Premier League all season, while Arsenal haven't won at Anfield since 2012.
In turn, this is arguably the toughest test of Mikel Arteta's team title.
If they win, they will be just eight games away from winning their first Premier League title since 2004. If they lose, the momentum in the title race will favor Man City.
And Jesus is likely to be at the heart of Arsenal's fortunes this afternoon. If the Brazilian repeats last week's heroism, when he scored a brace against Leeds, it would leave Arsenal fans and the world of football in a dream.
However, the 26-year-old revealed he was initially skeptical about signing for Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus' Arsenal in doubt
Jesus revealed he had doubts about signing for City to Arsenal but was convinced by Arteta and the Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar. The striker signed for the North London side for £45m in the summer, when Oleksandr Zinchenko also left the Etihad.
Speaking to BBC Football Focus, Jesus explained:
"I had a very good and important conversation with Edu. I had doubts (about signing).
"But, after I talked to him (Edu) and Mikel (Arteta) and the job was done."
Jesus has made just 17 Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season, after being sidelined for more than three months with a knee injury.
However, he has scored seven goals and provided six assists in that time and has received plenty of praise for his off-the-ball work.
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Brentford's first-half dominance against Newcastle suggests maintaining the intensity three times a week will be a challenge next season
Eddie Howe after Newcastle win against Brentford - tired Newcastle need an adrenaline boost - and more signings - to deal with success
Eddie Howe's mid-half changes at Brentford paid off
From the start, there was a fleeting smile when Eddie Howe was asked about his two forwards, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak. When he finished answering, a smile appeared on his face.
"The idea behind bringing Alex and Callum together is actually pretty clear - I just think we need more emphasis in the game," Howe said after the 2-1 win over Brentford.
"We needed the ability to run behind for some reason that didn't happen in the first half... I have to say I think they linked together very well. They really put together and We gave it a completely different look. See, I told you they could play together..."
It was the smile of five consecutive wins, bringing Newcastle United back into the heart of the Champions League debate. It was the smile of a coach who has seen his team overcome difficulties, from a goal and two penalties in the first half, where they were dominated, to beat Brentford. It was a smile of great satisfaction, but also of relief.
In beating Brentford, Newcastle passed one of their toughest tests of the season. They could have easily lost the game in the first half, that was Brentford's dominance, but Howe knew it was a performance that also raised concerns going forward. Newcastle's style of play is more action-oriented, high-energy and high-pressure. Howe's team overtakes you, overtakes you, and normally overwhelms you in the late stages. They didn't back down. They are physical and confrontational. They lunged at the opposition, driving them back and eventually overpowering them as an offensive force. But it's not easy to maintain that level of intensity several times a week. Newcastle have been offered three games in six days and they look tired. Fatigue is felt both mentally and physically. They were only able to win against Brentford in the 20-25 minutes of the second half as Wilson and Isak attacked frantically, aided by another substitute, Anthony Gordon, and Brazilian midfield duo Joelinton. and Bruno Guimarares.
Alexander Isak celebrates a goal for Brentford - tired Newcastle need an adrenaline boost - and more signings - to aim for success
Alexander Isak continues his rich form with a goal against Brentford
It's not a schedule they have to worry about often this season, but they will have to do it regularly if they play - as it now seems certain - in Europe next term. Whether it's in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League, make-up matches will bring them down.
Newcastle last competed in Europe in 2013 after finishing fifth under Alan Pardew, they narrowly missed relegation the following season following a defeat to Benfica in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Take a look at West Ham this season, the latest Premier League club to tumble in domestic form at the start of their European adventure.
While Newcastle need to enjoy the present and enjoy this particular team and coach, they also need to be realistic about what will happen in the future. Club operators must listen to Howe in the summer because they have so many
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