Real Madrid and Chelsea have reportedly fallen a “step behind” Arsenal in the race to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
According to Brazilian journalist Andre Hernan, Gabriel Jesus is likelier to join Arsenal instead of Chelsea or Real Madrid in the summer transfer window as things stand. The Gunners are the favourites to secure the services of the Brazilian international, who will leave Manchester City soon.
Gabriel Jesus has blown hot and cold since joining Manchester City from Palmeiras half a decade ago. But the 25-year-old remains a highly-rated forward, as suggested by interest from several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Brazilian international had enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign, amassing 13 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. But Jesus will likely leave Manchester City this summer following the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. With his contract set to run out next year, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea will fancy their chances of signing him in a cut-price deal.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the rising uncertainties surrounding the futures of Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz. The former is expected to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window, prompting Real Madrid to invest in a versatile forward, especially after failing to sign Kylian Mbappe.
As for Chelsea, the Blues recently joined the race to sign the Brazilian international, as Romelu Lukaku’s future is up in the air. Lukaku is eager to return to Inter Milan this summer, meaning Chelsea will have to scour the market for an able replacement. Jesus has thus emerged as a viable target for the Blues.
Meanwhile, the links between Arsenal and Jesus have grown like wildfire, with the Gunners reportedly reaching an agreement over personal terms. And with Alexandre Lacazette returning to Lyon, Jesus is an option worth considering for Arsenal to replace the veteran striker.
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According to Andre Hernan, the north Londoners lead the race to sign the Brazilian international from Manchester City. Chelsea and Real Madrid are a “step behind” Arsenal, with the latter highly unlikely to land Jesus as Vinicius Jr. is yet to secure a Spanish passport. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal will pounce by landing Jesus this summer.
