According to Goal Brazil, Arsenal has made an official bid of £42.6 million [€50 million] for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, and negotiations are well underway.
Mikel Arteta is looking for strikers after allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona in January.
Alexandre Lacazette’s contract is set to end in June, and Eddie Nketiah’s contract expires the following month.
It means Arsenal will need to sign at least one new striker this summer – two if Nketiah does not sign a new contract – and Jesus has emerged as a prominent target in recent weeks, with widespread speculation indicating Arteta is eager to reconnect with the South American.
The pair worked during Arteta’s time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, and it appears that the Spaniard is looking to entice Jesus to the Emirates Stadium to help address his striker dilemma ahead of next season.
According to Goal Brazil, Arsenal has now solidified their interest by submitting an opening bid of £42.6m [€50m] – approximately £8.5m [€10m] less than Man City’s asking price.
According to the source, negotiations are ‘near to a completion,’ with a move anticipated to be completed at the end of the season after Jesus requested permission to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Since joining City from Palmeiras in 2017, the Brazilian international has scored 95 goals in 234 appearances, helping the team win three Premier League titles and four domestic cups.
The addition of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this summer, though, will push Jesus down the pecking order.
The 25-year-old has just over a year left on his contract and appears to have decided to go rather than sign a new agreement at the Etihad.
Arsenal football director Edu Gasper has been pressing for a move for Jesus after Arteta stated his desire for the Brazilian international, but the player hasn’t completely ruled out the prospect of joining another club.
The striker’s agency recently claimed that five other clubs are vying with Arsenal to sign Jesus this summer, but it appears that the Gunners have gotten a jump on their competitors by declining an initial bid.
Jesus has 13 goals and 12 assists in 39 appearances this season, so he would surely provide a threat in the final third if he does end up joining Arsenal this summer.
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Arsenal offer formal £42.6m bid to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus – report
