Arsenal’s pursuit of Gabriel Jesus is said to be intensifying. The Gunners had been said to be after the Brazilian forward, but it now appears that they are set to complete a deal.
The Gunners are considering an opening bid for Jesus, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. Even if his current contract is not extended, Manchester City wants roughly £50 million for the forward.
At the end of the season, the Gunners are in desperate need of a striker. Edu and Mikel Arteta appear to have picked Jesus as the right player to lead the club forward.
Arsenal had already negotiated a transfer with Jesus’ agent, according to Romano. “The project appeals to us.” Marcelo Pettinati said.
As previously reported, the Gunners are interested in two centre-forwards, with Sports Deputy understanding that Manchester City striker Jesus and Roma attacker Tammy Abraham among the names on the shortlist. Jesus, in particular, has expressed an interest in leaving the current Premier League champions, with his agent apparently holding conversations with Edu in recent months.
Arsenal first inquired about Jesus in November, and Edu maintained a tight relationship with both the player’s agent and the City forward himself. Jesus could play more minutes between now and the end of the season as City try to improve his possible transfer value, with Arsenal reportedly having to make a £50 million bid.
As a result of City’s signing of Erling Haaland, Jesus is set to be the team’s second striker next season. At 25, Jesus may like to be the focal point of a team rather than a rotational player, as he was when Sergio Aguero made waves in Manchester.
Arteta and the Brazilian international have already worked together at the club, when the Spaniard was a member of Guardiola’s coaching team for three years. This provides yet additional reason to sign him and improve the attacking line for next season.
Jesus played 6931 minutes with Arteta and scored 55 goals during his stint with City. This translated to an average of 0.71 goals per 90 minutes. This is a better record than when Arteta departed City, without the Spaniard, Jesus has played 6850 minutes and scored 39 goals, averaging 0.51 goals per game.
When Jesus was coached by Arteta, he improved his goal-scoring by 39%, and the pair might resume their relationship if the Brazilian decides to join the Gunners at the end of the season. Edu appears to be ready to go through with a deal for Jesus.
