Arsenal and Tottenham have both had contacts with the agents of Gabriel Jesus, but it is the Gunners who are leading the chase, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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 to seek out regular game time elsewhere.
Marcelo Pettinati, his agent 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.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, it is indeed Arsenal who lead the charge to sign Jesus, despite contact from Tottenham.
THE LATEST: LEADING RACE
“At the moment there is no bid but there is contracts between Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham. Let me say that Arsenal are leading the race for him for a long time because of the Brazilian connection and Edu Gaspar, who is working since a long time, so Arsenal are really interested in Gabriel,” Romano said on the Chris Cowlin YouTube show.
“For Tottenham they are discussing with his agent. They’ve had conversations with his agent, so for the moment, it’s a possibility. But he wants to play, he wants to be a key player. This is why at the moment it’s important for Gabriel to understand ‘what is the plan?’.”
THE VERDICT: GUNNERS WILL BE CONFIDENT
The issue for Jesus in joining Tottenham is the same one many strikers will have, and that’s that Harry Kane is always going to be the main man up top.
Just like his situation with Haaland at City, the former Palmeiras man will be seeking first team assurances elsewhere.
Arsenal will be offering the Brazilian star a key role in the side, which means that the Gunners will surely be confident in securing his signature ahead of their fierce rivals.
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.
Jesus’ arrival at London Colney would surely be a significant coup.
AND in other news, “I was told” – talkSPORT reporter drops big Arsenal update on £49.5m-rated “top-class” ace…