Arsenal transfer news: Gabriel Jesus deal takes centre stage after costlier striker stays put

Arsenal are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Man City hitman Gabriel Jesus, and that deal has assumed greater significance following an update on a second forward, per a report.

Man City’s forward line is poised to take on a whole new look next year. Julian Alvarez has already signed on the dotted line from River Plate and will link up with his new teammates this summer. The Argentine may have to play second fiddle in the headlines, however, with an Erling Haaland coup taking shape.

Fabrizio Romano gave City’s move for the Norwegian his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation. What’s more, the journalist revealed City may in fact be getting a better deal than many first thought.

Haaland and Alvarez’s twin arrivals would produce a logjam in City’s forward line. The likes of Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling are already struggling for minutes as it is.

However, the likeliest candidate to make way is now appearing to be Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian will enter the final year of his contract next season and City could sell this summer to avoid losing such a saleable asset for free.

Arsenal are known to be in the mix and the Athletic’s David Ornstein previously reported talks have been ongoing for months. What’s more, he indicated Jesus is open to moving to north London too.

Now, a report from the Sun stated Arsenal’s move is edging closer. Haaland’s impending move to City is suggested to be the driving force behind a Jesus exit. Haaland reportedly passed a City medical in Brussels on Monday.

Jesus worked with Mikel Arteta when the Gunners boss was Guardiola’s No 2 at the Etihad. A move to north London would allow Jesus to feature far more regularly and boost his World Cup selection chances later this year.

Gabriel Jesus price tag emerges

Furthermore, Brazilian outlet UOL shed light on the fee Arsenal might have to pay.

It’s claimed City will set their stall out over a €60m (£51.2m) price tag. However, they may be willing to go as low as €50m (£42.7m) pending how negotiations with Arsenal go.

The outlet reaffirms Jesus is a ‘strong target’ for Arsenal and talks between all camps are said to be ‘ongoing’.

Gabriel Jesus agrees terms with Arsenal as Manchester City exit looms

Gabriel Jesus agrees terms with Arsenal as Erling Haaland pushes him out of Manchester City

A Jesus move may now have assumed greater significance following the latest on fellow striker target, Lautaro Martinez.

The Inter marksman is another to be linked with Arsenal who could lose one or both of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as free agents.

However, via Football Italia, Martinez’s agent insisted his client won’t be leaving the San Siro.

Alejandro Camano said: “Sometimes the media publishes stories about his possible transfer, but Lautaro is only focused on Inter, giving the fans joy and making them champions again, then he can start preparing for the World Cup with Argentina.

“We are not expecting or looking for a transfer. He is at Inter, he is happy, the city is wonderful. We are thinking only of Inter.”