Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project finally looks set to kick into the next gear this summer after the Gunners have already begun to reinforce their youthful camp, and are now finally closing in on a completed deal for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
It was first reported by The Mirrors Mike Keegan that Arsenal and City were close to an agreement before the Gunners would finalize personal terms with the Brazilian international, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Arsenal and City have reached a full verbal agreement with a deal now in place, with personal terms now under discussion.
Arsenal and Manchester City have reached full verbal agreement today for Gabriel Jesus. Deal in place after new meeting – been told guaranteed fee is £45m. 🚨🇧🇷 #AFC
Arsenal are now working on personal terms with Gabriel’s camp – final step to get the deal completed very soon. pic.twitter.com/sNcy4TuTks
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
Arsenal has long been linked with a move for Jesus this summer after the Gunners parted ways with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the span of six months, leaving the club with just Eddie Nketiah as the only striker in the first-team set-up.
Jesus, who can be deployed on either flank as well as primarily being utilized in a number 9 role, fits the tactical refit under Arteta at Arsenal that has increasingly demanded players that are capable in a wide variety of roles.
This falls in line with another summer signing in Fábio Vieira who is capable of slotting into the team as an 8, 10, or on the right flank, while the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli have all been tasked in a variety of roles since rising to prominence in the first-team.
But once a deal for Jesus is finalized, the Brazilian is expected to be used as the key front man for Arsenal, and his strike rate for City while being deployed as a number 9 paints a picture of a player who Arsenal fans could be confident in at least breaking the 15-goal barrier in a Premier League season, which would offer a more consistent platform than what both Aubameyand and Lacazette were able to present in 2021-22.
