Arsenal & City Reach Verbal Agreement for Gabriel Jesus, Deal Very Close

Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City

Arsenal have narrowed down their search for a striker to Man City centre-forward Gabriel Jesus. According to latest reports in England, the Cityzens have verbally agreed to a deal to sell the Brazilian striker to the North London outfit in this summer window.

In a shocking news last week, Man City offered Jesus to Chelsea to speed up a sale, but Arsenal are now deemed as the front-runners to secure the forward’s signature. The Brazilian had the option of joining the Blues but he prefers a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal — Image obtained via Sky Sports

The 25-year-old failed to grab a consistent spot in the City line-up last season. Moreover, he was not played in his preferred position numerous times, but he still gave it his all to help his club succeed. Understandably, the striker now seeks a way out, with the Citizens confirming the signing of Erling Haaland.

It was earlier reported that the player’s representatives will be travelling to London to ‘push through’ for a move. It would make it easier for both parties to come to an agreement over the fee and finally complete the transfer. Both the club and player remain determined to make the transfer happen.

Now, according to reliable English reporter Ben Jacobs, Arsenal and Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement for Gabriel Jesus. While speaking to ‘The Football Terrace’ (via Sport Bible), he confirmed that the two clubs have agreed upon a fee and a deal might be concluded in the next 7-10 days.

https://twitter.com/theafcintel/status/1539678587191787521

Moreover, according to Mirror, the Gunners have offered the Brazilian striker a €16million-a-year contract – around £264,000-a-week. The player’s deal could rise up to €17m-a-year, which would amount to a salary of £280,000-a-week, if the North London side qualify for the Champions League next season.

Additionally, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that the negotiations are at a very advanced stage and the deal is close to completion. Talks have already begun with the player’s representatives and the Gunners are looking to avoid any twists at this point.

Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced – Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists. ⚪️🔴 #AFC

Tottenham & PSG, still waiting to see the end of this story.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022

As important as this transfer is for Jesus, the same goes for the North London side to secure his services. Former Arsenal number 9, Alexandre Lacazette, has returned to Lyon whereas Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in January to join Barcelona.

Currently, manager Mikel Arteta only has Eddie Nketiah as a centre-forward option in his squad and will need the 25-year-old to run the show for them. Understandably, signing a striker remains on the top of their priority list in this transfer window.

Why Gabriel Jesus Could Be A Success For Arsenal?

It is very important to know that Arsenal are rebuilding their squad to start winning trophies again. The Gunners look at Jesus as a long-term prospect in the first-team. This does mean that the striker will be one of the key players in Arteta’s plans going forward. The Arsenal manager likes to involve his strikers in the build-up and Jesus has gotten used to that while playing under City manager Pep Guardiola.

Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City, Arsenal — Image obtained via Daily Cannon

Gabriel Jesus is very comfortable playing more than one role as a striker. He could play as a goal poacher or even as a false-9 at times. His finishing has been very clinical throughout his career. He may well have joined the 100-goal club at the Eithad if he scored 5 more goals before deciding to leave.

Nevertheless, the most important aspect of his game is to start the press and help his team win the ball higher up the pitch. The Brazilian always gives his 100% whenever he steps onto the field. He also put the club’s needs ahead of himself at City and Arteta is a fan of that attitude. In addition, he will have a few Brazilian teammates like Martinelli and Magalhaes to help him settle at the North-London club quickly.

The North London outfit haven’t played in the Champions League since 2016. They were on course to break the streak with a top-four finish almost within their grasp in the recently concluded 21/22 season. However, they fell short in the end and that could be attributed to the lack of squad depth.

Signing Jesus will improve the first team’s attacking quality but Arteta will still have to play Nketiah regularly in order to rest the City forward. This will eventually help Nketiah to develop and the healthy competition between the players could fast forward their progress even more.

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