Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the 25-year-old Brazil international was signed in a deal worth 45 million pounds ($A79.5 million).

He leaves City after almost six years, during which time he scored 95 goals in 236 appearances and won the Premier League four times, League Cup three times and the FA Cup.

Jesus previously worked with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta when the Spaniard was an assistant to City boss Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019.

Following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette after the expiry of his contract Arsenal needed reinforcements up front and Arteta knew the man he wanted to come in.

"I'm very excited. The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature," said the Gunners boss.

"I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.

"This is a position that's been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I'm really happy."

with PA

Australian Associated Press