Gabriel Jesus transfer news: Arsenal lodge £42m bid, though trusted source provides conflicting update
Gabriel Jesus ‘will leave’ Man City this summer and Arsenal are circling, though reports have differed as to the progress they’re making.
The Brazilian looks destined to seek pastures new this summer. Jesus, 25, will once again be forced into a bench role when Erling Haaland arrives from Borussia Dortmund. Jesus has operated on the right wing on several occasions this season, though his preferred position remains centre-forward.
Argentine striker Julian Alvarez will join Haaland at the Etihad, with their twin arrivals prompting speculation Jesus’ time is up.
Indeed, Arsenal have drawn persistent links after talks between Edu and the player’s representatives have been ongoing for months. That was according the Athletic’s highly respected David Ornstein.
Jesus’ agent recently confirmed positive talks have been held with the Gunners. However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted direct contact between Arsenal and City is yet to open.
Now, writing in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has explained why that is.
The trusted journalist noted Man City are putting any Jesus exit talks on the backburner until the season finishes. In Romano’s words, ‘Man City will only discuss it at the end of the month.’
Regardless, a move to north London still seems likely with Romano adding Jesus ‘will leave’ Man City. He then stated Jesus wishes to ‘feel important’ at his next club, indicating he wants to be a regular starter week in, week out.
Arteta connection could help
Gabriel Jesus would likely get that chance under Mikel Arteta – someone who he worked under when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s No 2 at the Etihad.
Alexandre Lacazette looks on course to leave on a free, though Eddie Nketiah could yet be retained. But in a straight shoot-out between the two, Jesus would likely win out for the starting role.
Goal Brazil recently claimed Arsenal have in fact lodged an offer of around £42m. They added City are holding out for closer to £50m, though this information is at odds with Romano’s claim no direct contact has been made between the clubs as yet.
The one area their information did overlap, however, was when stating interest in Jesus is widespread.
Romano noted clubs from France, Italy and Spain have made enquiries. Goal Brazil reported Jesus’ camp have already received five proposals from clubs other than Arsenal.
Arsenal have also been linked with another Man City raid involving Raheem Sterling. Like Jesus, his contract also expires in 2023.
But per Romano, both City and Guardiola are intent on tying the winger down to a new contract.
It’s acknowledged negotiations won’t be easy, though Sterling’s position won’t be effected to the degree Jesus’ will by Haaland’s arrival.
A new round of contract talks with Sterling will be opened later in May.
Gabriel Jesus perfect for Arsenal?
Brazilian outlet UOL recently claimed City would demand around €60m (£51.2m) for his signature. Though they did add the fee could be lower depending on how negotiations go.
That could represent excellent value for a striker who at 25, still has his best years ahead.
Arsenal sought to lower the age of their squad last summer when signing six first-teamers all aged under 23 at the time of arrival. Jesus fits the narrative of what Arsenal are building and his goals record might be better than many think.
He has plundered 95 goals and 46 assists in 234 outings for City across all competitions.
Those figures are even more impressive when factoring in Guardiola’s regular rotation. Jesus also had to make do with several years of cameos off the bench when Sergio Aguero was in town.
His defensive work-rate would also be a plus and the fact he is proven in England is another positive. On the face of it, he’d be close to the perfect addition for Mikel Arteta.
