ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal step-up their interest in Gabriel Jesus as opening bid tabled for the striker

Arsenal

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus over the last few weeks. The Gunners were in search of a quality striker and have identified Jesus as their prime target. Moreover, the Brazilian has made himself available in the summer, further elevating Arsenal’s interest. The Gunners need to accelerate their efforts to sign a striker as both of their current options are staring at a summer exit. Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette’s contracts expire in the summer expect to leave.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal have made Jesus their top priority for a move. The journalist also said that Jesus wants an exit after failing to feature regularly for City. Further on, City have now signed Erling Haaland which means Jesus will now certainly leave Etihad. Arsenal have pounced on the opportunity to acquire the Brazilian forward, with an opening bid reportedly submitted.

Arsenal held talks with Jesus’ agent last week as confirmed by Romano. Mikel Arteta has formerly worked with Jesus and wants him to lead his side’s attack from next season. Arsenal director Edu is also well-aware of his fellow countryman’s exploits and is ready to snatch him from City. Moreover, Edu has now prepared and tabled a bid for Jesus to agree on a contract with the player. However, Arsenal are yet to open talks with Manchester City over a potential deal.

Arsenal submit a formal bid for Gabriel Jesus

According to Goal, Arsenal have upped their pursuit of Jesus, now submitting a formal bid. The outlet claims that the Gunners have opened the bidding with £42 million as their first offer. Arsenal seems to be more than confident of landing the City striker after positive talks with his agent Marcelo Pettinati. However, his agent also admits that as many as six more teams along with Arsenal want Jesus.

Pettinati, while speaking to Fabrizio Romano revealed, “We had talks with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus, we like the project – it’s a possibility we’re discussing. There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel – he’s focused on final games with Man City, we’ll see”. As evident, Jesus likes the project of Arsenal, further boosting their chances of landing him.

However, reports are fresh that Manchester City wants to extend Gabriel Jesus’ contract. The striker’s current deal runs through the 2022/23 season. But Jesus too has decided to leave City in search of a starting role. Moreover, Haaland’s arrival means the Norwegian will be ahead in the pecking order. Furthermore, City have signed Argentine striker Julian Alvarez as well, pushing Jesus towards the door. City are ready to part ways if Jesus doesn’t extend, but want a fee around £50 million.

Arsenal may just splash that amount for Jesus despite their opening bid falling short by £8 million. The Gunners very well know that Jesus is a proven asset of the Premier League. The striker has so far scored 58 goals and assisted 32 in 157 Premier League games for City.

Further on, he is 25 now and could settle in easily with this young Arsenal side. His ability to play on the right-wing as well would just come in handy for the Gunners. Jesus has a contribution of 5 goals and 9 assists while playing on the right-wing. All in all, Jesus would be a perfect signing for Arsenal. Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s excellent relationship with the striker from their working together at City could prove to be an advantage.

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