Man City are prepared to axe Gabriel Jesus this summer and a remarkable report has claimed Arsenal already have one aspect of the deal wrapped up.
Arsenal’s need to land at least two new forwards this summer is no secret. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was never replaced in January. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiak will both become free agents on June 30.
The Telegraph recently claimed signing two new strikers will be Arsenal’s main transfer priority. Lower on the totem pole will reportedly be adding depth at No10 and left-back.
A whole host of centre-forwards ranging from Lautaro Martinez to Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been linked.
However, according to Sport Witness, it is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus that could become the first new addition to Mikel Arteta’s forward line.
The outlet cite claims from Sao Paolo-based journalist Jorge Nicola who reported Jesus is in ‘very advanced talks’ over a move to the Emirates.
What’s more, Nicola stated on his YouTube channel that ‘everything has been agreed’ between Jesus and Arsenal regarding personal terms. All that reportedly remains is for Arsenal to make a bid that Man City deem satisfactory.
Yet that should not be a problem according to fellow journalist Matteo Moretto.
He tweeted it is ‘true’ that City have put Gabriel Jesus up for sale. The Brazilian, 25, is deemed not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans going forward and the ‘right offer’ will see him sold this summer.
Jesus’ current contract at the Etihad expires at the end of next season. To avoid losing such a saleable asset for nothing, common sense would dictate City sell this summer if it become apparent a new deal won’t be signed. That is the scenario Nicola deems most likely.
Failing that, Nicola adds Arsenal could simply wait until 2023 to sign Jesus on a free.
City’s apparent willingness to offload Jesus could be another indicator they are on course to sign Erling Haaland. What’s more, Argentine forward Julian Alvarez has already been signed from River Plate and will arrive in time for next season.
Arsenal’s reported agreement over personal terms is seemingly down to Edu.
Sport Witness add the Gunners chief ‘approached Paulo Pitombeira’, who is Jesus’ agent. If the report is accurate, the pair were able to thrash out terms.
Jesus has been a capable performer at City, though has never quite reached the highs that were expected. His tally in a City shirt currently stands at 89 goals in 229 appearances across all competitions.
He has been shunted out on to the right wing under Guardiola this season, though could be given a more prominent,. central role in north London if signed.
He would also seemingly be in line for a wage increase if the move did materialise. Nicola claimed Jesus currently pockets around £65,000-per-week. The alleged agreement with Arsenal would see that rise by 50 percent to approximately £97,000-a-week.
A reason behind Jesus’ willingness to leave City is also hinted at. The Brazilian wishes to play a major role for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar and only playing regularly at club level will see him guaranteed a place in the forward line.
Brazil have an embarrassment of riches to choose from at present. Jesus can count Neymar, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., Antony, Richarlison, Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo, Gabriel Barbosa and Roberto Firmino among his competition for places.
The Jesus to Arsenal speculation was later given an endorsement from the Athletic’s David Ornstein.
He tweeted talks between Arsenal and Jesus’ representatives have been ongoing ‘for months’. Ornstein also namechecked Jorge Nicola in his tweet, thus suggesting many of Nicola’s earlier claims were on the money.
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