- Dillon Meehan
Reports: Arsenal eyeing move for Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer, according to reports from Brazil and The Atheltic.
The news was originally reported by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola on his YouTube channel. David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed the discussions aspect of the story yesterday evening. According to both Nicola and Ornstein, Arsenal’s technical director Edu has been in direct talks with Jesus’ representatives for quite some time and the former Palmeiras forward is open to the move.
Nicola, as detailed by Sport Witness, goes as far as to say Jesus has everything agreed with Mikel Arteta's side, with only an agreement between Arsenal and City now needed. Ornstein writes that the two clubs are yet to begin negotiations, although the Gunners are considered by sources as favourites to land the forward.
Nicola adds that if Arsenal were to fail in reaching an agreement with the Premier League champions, they would just wait until Jesus' contract expires to sign him on a free transfer. However, the journalist notes that Pep Guardiola's side are likely to ask for a small compensation.
It’s not currently known what the potential fee would be for Jesus. However, with his contract set to expire next summer, it likely won’t fetch a big number. With Julian Alvarez expecting to join the Blues in the summer, as well as the potential signing of Erling Haaland, there doesn’t appear to be room for Jesus.
Arsenal are in need of a striker after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona in January as well as both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both out of contract this summer. This past week the Frenchman admitted in an interview with Canal Plus that he is open to leaving Arsenal, insisting that his ambition is to play in Europe again.
It has been a confusing season for Jesus. The 25-year-old has 23 appearances this season and featured heavily in the opening months of the season – playing well when deployed on the right-wing. But he has recently lost his spot in the Brazil squad and has since only started two league games in 2022, mostly due to the great form of Riyad Mahrez.
Ornstein also mentions that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another potential target for the Gunners.
Written by: @IVIeehan
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