Chelsea have joined Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, according to reliable reporter Nizaar Kinsella.
However, any pursuit of the Brazilian could hinge on potential departures from the frontline at Stamford Bridge in order to create room for the 25-year-old in the squad.
Jesus is widely expected to leave the Etihad this summer, following the arrival of both Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to play as a number 9 in Manchester for the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
And, as per Fabrizio Romano, he is aiming to remain in the Premier League even as he departs Manchester City. With moves to Liverpool and Manchester United unlikely due to rivalries, it effectively leaves three clubs left to fight it out for his signature in the shape of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus deal. He still wants to leave Man City and the expectation is for Gabriel to join a Premier League club this summer, official bids will arrive soon. 🚨🇧🇷 #MCFC
Real Madrid had some contacts few weeks ago to explore situation but still nothing advanced, as of now. pic.twitter.com/qM8Rh5Hq2a
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2022
And, as per Goal.com, ‘Chelsea are looking to line up a replacement for Lukaku this summer and have identified Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as a candidate’, with the Blues already ‘considering making an offer’ for the marksman.
What will it depend on?
In short, any move for Jesus will likely hinge on who Thomas Tuchel can persuade to exit Stamford Bridge this summer. Romelu Lukaku is keen to do just that, but with a potential 25m euro loan fee on his head, a return to Inter could be problematic.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on May 7, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, all of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner have failed to set the world alight for the Blues, and could depart should offers be made. However, they would need to be made soon in order for Chelsea to jump ahead of Arsenal in the queue for Jesus.
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