Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Likely escape route and modest fee emerges as Man City star decides enough is enough

Gabriel Jesus, Man City striker, during Premier League clash against Brentford at Brentford Community Stadium

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is reportedly inching towards the exit door after another frustrating season under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The Brazil striker, 24, joined City in January 2017 for an initial £27m fee before various add-ons. In his time in Manchester, Jesus has been a frequent source of goals for the club, having 88 to his name from 224 appearances. Despite that, he’s a man Guardiola does not quite see as trustworthy enough to command a regular run in the side.

Indeed, this season was always seen as a key campaign as far as Jesus was concerned. The departure – and ultimately sad retirement – of Sergio Aguero was expected to see Jesus play a more frequent role.

Indeed, while City tried – and failed – to sign Harry Kane last summer, Jesus suddenly found himself as City’s sole out-and-out senior centre forward. As such, a more regular role in the side was expected to follow.

As it goes, Jesus has fared little better this season than he has in previous campaigns. To that end, the former Palmeiras striker has made just 15 Premier League starts, with just one coming this calendar year. That has limited him to a mere 108 minutes on the pitch.

Striker not a regular for City

That’s with Guardiola opting instead to stick with his false nine attacking formation. Indeed, their goals have, in the main, come from the flanks. Riyad Mahrez (22) and Raheem Sterling (14) are City’s leading goalscorers in all competitions.

That situation continues to be a source of frustration for Jesus, who is reportedly now considering his options.

In addition, with City exploring a possible deal for Erling Haaland, the situation may get a whole lot worse for Jesus.

Haaland deal will cost Man City £300m with wages and fees

Haaland deal will cost Man City £300m with wages and fees

Erling Haaland will cost Manchester City €300m if they want to sign him from Borussia Dortmund this summer with Mino Raiola taking a £37m cut.

And, according to a report, Juventus are plotting a move for the striker, who has long been on their radar.

Furthermore, Tutto Juve claims the idea of a move to Turin is something the striker is ‘more than willing to consider’.

Gabriel Jesus more affordable than Mohamed Salah

And with Paulo Dybala nearing the end of his days at Juventus, it seems a space is about to open up for Juventus.

The Argentine’s impending exit has the Bianconeri ‘probing different attacking options’ ahead of this summer’s market.

The name of Mohamed Salah has come up too. The Liverpool attacker is facing a major career crossroads this summer. Talks over a new deal have stalled and a parting of ways could be on the cards.

And while Salah is reportedly flattered by their interest, that remains very much a fanciful option for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. His wage demands would set a new record high for Juventus. Furthemore, his transfer fee alone would also be vast, that’s despite his dwindling contract.

Instead, Tutto Juve place a much more obtainable fee on the head of Gabriel Jesus.

They will reportedly try their chances with an opening £25m offer for Jesus in the hope City will accept.

Juventus are currently fourth and seemingly on track for a return to the Champions League next season.

Securing a place in the competition will play a key role in their transfer planning for the months ahead.

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