Arsenal are leading the way for Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus despite interest elsewhere, including Chelsea and Tottenham, according to reports.
The Gunners are in the hunt for two strikers this summer, and have made Jesus their priority owing to the 25-year-old having just one year left on his current contract, as well as the arrival of Erling Haaland in Manchester.
And, despite a seemingly slow process to complete the deal, the Telegraph claim that Mikel Arteta’s side are still leading the way for the forward, ahead of north London rivals Tottenham.
‘Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave, with Arsenal leading the chase from Tottenham for the £50m rated Brazil striker’, they report.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
It will kickstart what is expected to be a serious recruitment drive for the Gunners this summer, who are also thought to be keen on Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans as well as another forward and a left-centre back.
Meanwhile, Nuno Tavares could leave on loan, forcing the north London side into the market for a backup left-back, where Bologna and Scotland defender Aaron Hickey has been mooted as a potential option.
Will it be enough?
The current transfer plans as laid out in the media seem to hint towards the continued over-reliance on Thomas Partey, which could be an issue given his injury record. However, there is no doubt that Mikel Arteta’s side will improve with the rumoured additions. The problem they face is that all the sides around them are also doing so.
Tottenham have seemingly agreed a third and fourth signing of the summer in Djed Spence and Yves Bissouma, while Liverpool are expected to announce the arrival of Darwin Nunez and Manchester City have signed Erling Haaland.
It is looking increasingly difficult for the Gunners to break into the top 4 next season, and they will need to end the transfer window much more strongly than they have started it.
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