Arsenal are reportedly not too keen on meeting Manchester City’s £55 million demands for Gabriel Jesus.
According to a report from ESPN, Arsenal are running the risk of being priced out of a move for Gabriel Jesus. The Manchester City forward is believed to be one of the top targets for Mikel Arteta as he looks to sign a new striker at the end of the season.
Arsenal had made contact with Manchester City, discussing the possibility of a summer swoop for Jesus. But it appears the Cityzens are demanding a hefty £55 million fee for his services. Fresh from handing a lucrative contract to new signing Erling Haaland, the Premier League champions are intent on recouping the value they spent on the Brazilian forward a few years ago.
While Pep Guardiola was keen on keeping hold of Jesus, he will not stand in the way of the player, should he wish to leave the Etihad Stadium. Gabriel Jesus will, no doubt, be apprehensive about prolonging his stay at Manchester City as he has struggled with a lack of game-time over the past couple of years or so.
The arrival of Haaland and Julian Alvarez could further dwindle his status in the Manchester City first team, ultimately forcing the Brazilian to look for a move elsewhere. With 235 competitive appearances, 95 goals and three Premier League titles to his name, the 25-year-old should be in high demand this summer, especially if he can manage another league title this coming weekend.
Arsenal are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Jesus’s situation at Manchester City. The Gunners notably lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah may both leave in the summer. The latter has become one of the most sought-after youngsters in England, amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Someone like Gabriel Jesus could be an ideal addition to the Arsenal strike force. The Manchester City forward has the quality and the experience to become a success at the Emirates, especially alongside the creative support of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, Arsenal are not on board with the idea of splashing a fortune for Jesus. While Arteta does rate the player highly, he cannot spend £55 million on the Manchester City starlet. The Arsenal boss may have to set his sights elsewhere in his bid to sign a new forward, with the Gunners also in contention to sign Czech whizkid Adam Hlozek.
