Gabriel Jesus has not ruled out the prospect of joining Arsenal this summer despite the Gunners set to miss out on Champions League football, according to reports.
Arsenal have already held discussions with the Brazil international’s representatives to discuss a possible move in the upcoming transfer window.
Jesus is believed to be keen to leave City in order to secure more playing time ahead of Brazil’s World Cup campaign in Qatar at the end of this year.
Last week, Jesus’ representative, Marcelo Pettinati, made it clear that the attacker considers a move to Arsenal as a ‘serious possibility’.
‘We had discussions with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus and yes, we like the project,’ Pettinati said. ‘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.’
Arsenal appeared to have been dealt a huge blow on Monday evening as their 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle has left them fifth in the Premier League with just one match to go.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who host Everton on the last day of the season, now need Tottenham to lose to Norwich City on Sunday in order to finish fourth.
But according to The Sun, even though the Gunners are facing the prospect of no Champions League football next season, Jesus ‘has not completely ruled out’ the idea of a move to the Gunners.
Arsenal are hopeful that Arteta’s relationship with Jesus would be a major factor as they worked closely together at Manchester City.
But, speaking after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal now face a ‘huge problem’ if they miss out on the Champions League.
‘Yes, it is over and I think that’s a massive problem, not just this season,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. ‘I think it’s a huge problem for Mikel Arteta and this Arsenal team going forward.
‘Europa League next season, [playing] Thursday-Sunday. They’ve had a big opportunity this season having no European football.
‘That was a big advantage for them. They are not in the best four sides in the country but they had an advantage on the other teams and they still haven’t made it. I do really fear for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta next season, that’s a real bad one tonight.’
