Arsenal Leading the Race to Sign Manchester City Striker Gabriel Jesus

According to the latest reports in England, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their forward line and are exploring the possibility of signing the Brazilian striker.

Gabriel Jesus joined Manchester City in 2017, after spending two years with Palmeiras, having graduated from their youth academy. So far, the Brazil international has made 230 appearances and registered 93 goals (stats via Transfermarkt) for the Citizens across all competitions. This season, he has contributed 7 goals in 24 appearances for the English club.

Given Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are spiralling down into the last few months of their contract, the Gunners seem to be in an acute need of a striker. In order to reinforce their attacking options, the North London side are looking to bring the 25-year-old forward to the Emirates Stadium.

As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal have listed Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as a potential acquisition. The report states Arsenal technical director Edu has been involved in discussions with Jesus’s representatives over a possible transfer for a few months. Various sources even dub the Gunners as favourites to sign the player.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has previously worked with the Brazilian when he was appointed as an assistant coach at Manchester City. Therefore, it is certainly possible that the North London side advance with a move to sign the Brazilian, who too is believed to be willing to join Mikel Arteta’s side this summer.

Jesus has a contract with Man City till the summer of 2023. Moreover, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that the negotiations for a transfer deal are yet to be put into motion between the two clubs. Therefore, his future is bound to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

Gabriel Jesus will leave Man City in the summer, the plan is clear since months as they're working on Haaland deal and contract expires in 2023. 🇧🇷 #MCFC

Arsenal interest is confirmed and serious, as per @jorgenicola @David_Ornstein – but still no bid/direct talks between clubs. pic.twitter.com/akinrtEy7i

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2022

Pep Guardiola On The Gabriel Jesus Situation

Manchester City nailed Watford 5-1 at the Etihad over the weekend. They are only a point clear of Liverpool in the ongoing race for the Premier League title. And Gabriel Jesus was hailed as a hero as he scored four sensational goals past Roy Hodgson’s Watford, who are being pinned to the relegation zone with every passing game week.

However, amid his heroics, Gabriel Jesus was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. He is currently said to be amongst the top choices of Arteta to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, who joined the FC Barcelona this January. Despite this, City head coach Pep Guardiola has spoken about the speculation surrounding the player. After the massive win against Watford, Guardiola gave a heads-up on the situation saying:

“I want to tell you something; Gabriel is our player. I don’t know what is going to happen, but he is a Man City player.”

“Every player is happy when they play 90 minutes all the time but at the end of the season whether he wants to extend, stay or leave, I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Regardless of all the transfer links with Arsenal, it can be concluded that Gabriel Jesus, at the moment, seems delightful and will continue enjoying his days as long as he is in a Man City shirt.

Another reason for Jesus moving to the Emirates Stadium could be due to an incoming player. The Athletic reported that Manchester City are vying to secure the signature of Borussia Dortmund’s star striker Erling Haaland. The report also claimed that the Norway international has been offered a grand package by City and initial personal terms have been agreed between the two parties.

The 25-year-old has already seen his game time reduced and Haaland moving to the Etihad Stadium could further limit his chances of first-team football. Therefore, a move to North London would benefit both Arsenal and the player.

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