Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus would still find a move to the Emirates Stadium ‘appealing’ this summer despite the club missing out on the Champions League…
THE LOWDOWN: HEAVILY LINKED
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to north London in recent weeks following the arrival of Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
As per Fabrizio Romano, it is clear that the 25-year-old has asked to leave the Sky Blues this summer.
As a result, the Brazilian’s agent, Marcelo Pettinati, confirmed that talks had already been held with Arsenal, and it is said that they are interested in the ‘project’ under Mikel Arteta.
The Evening Standard provided an update on Jesus’ situation, claiming the Gunners will ‘step up their pursuit’ of the versatile star after manager Mikel Arteta identified him as his top forward transfer target.
Arteta knows the South American well from his time on Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff and the pair could be reunited over the coming months.
THE LATEST: WOULD FIND IT APPEALING
Journalist Pete O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I still think he would find it appealing. Obviously, missing out on the Champions League would be a blow for Arsenal and possibly for the player as well.
“He’s played so often in the Champions League for Manchester City that he’ll want to continue playing at the highest level.”
THE VERDICT: WHY NOT?
The Brazilian hitman landed on England shores in January 2017 from boyhood club Palmeiras and his rise to the upper echelons of football was described as “stunning” by The Athletic’s Jack Lang.
For the Citizens, the versatile ace has gone from strength to strength, registering 95 goals and 46 assists in 236 appearances across all competitions, claiming four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups along the way.
Indeed, the former Palmeiras star could still find a move to the Emirates appealing considering the increased game time he will very easily acquire, his vital importance to a coach who knows him well and also the opportunity to play alongside some stunning young talents in Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe will certainly excite the £45m-rated star.
Yes, there would be no Champions League football on the horizon for the Gunners which will be a huge blow but the 54-time Brazilian international can indeed propel the Gunners to new heights if he arrives in north London, so why not be the face of the new and improved revolution at the Emirates?
Whether Arsenal can get this deal over the line remains to be seen, but Jesus’ arrival at London Colney would surely be seen as a significant coup.
AND in other news, Arsenal interested in “spectacular” £49.50m-rated ace, who is an upgrade on Xhaka – opinion