Arsenal have made an opening offer of €50million to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus this summer.
With the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette yet to be resolved, the Gunners have identified the need to sign at least one striker this summer as a priority.
Jesus has little over 12 months left on his contract and, although he has played an increasingly key role in City’s challenge for honours during the closing stages of the current season, he is unlikely to sign an extension.
The Brazil international played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero during the early stages of his City career and has spent much time under Pep Guardiola on the right wing, rather than in his preferred central position.
City’s decision to sign Erling Haaland from Dortmund will further compromise Jesus’ playing time and he is said to be keen on a reunion with Mikel Arteta, who spent three-and-a-half years as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.
Speaking on Wednesday, the former Palmeiras attacker’s agent confirmed talks with Arsenal had taken place and Jesus was keen on becoming a focal part of Arteta’s rebuilding project.
‘We had discussions with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus and yes, we like the project,’ Marcelo Pettinati told Fabrizio Romano. ‘It’s a serious possibility so we’re discussing.
‘There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel Jesus, he’s now focused on final games with Manchester City, then we’ll see what happens.’
According to Goal, Arsenal have already put together a proposal but it currently falls €10m short of City’s asking price, but further discussions are anticipated.
Meanwhile, speaking after City’s 5-1 win over Watford last month, Pep Guardiola said he was unsure over Jesus’ future at City but said that the Brazilian ‘will have a successful career’.
‘I want to tell you something, Gabriel is our player. I don’t know what is going to happen but he is a Manchester City player,’ said Guardiola.
‘But Gabriel doesn’t need to do a performance like today to score four goals to know exactly what he can do.
‘Against Liverpool in the FA Cup, he had two clear chances man to man and he missed them, but always he is there, and Gabriel has this incredible ability because he is always thinking what is the best for the team.’
