Arsenal are leading the race to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus this summer and the deal could take another step forward in the coming days with talks set to take place with the player's representatives.
Jesus is seen by Mikel Arteta as the ideal man to lead his side next season following the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the last six months. Eddie Nketiah signed a new deal at the Emirates this summer but it is likely the Hale End graduate will predominantly be used from the bench going forward.
City are willing to part with the 25-year-old this summer following the arrival of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund but rejected Arsenal's opening bid of £30 million. However, the Gunners are expected to return with another offer closer to the £50 million at which the Premier League champions value Jesus.
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Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Brazil international, although it appears that Arsenal is his preferred destination. But the players representatives are not resting on their laurels and, according to a report from GOAL, are set to fly to London imminently to push the deal through.
"Talks with Manchester City over Jesus are at a critical stage and there is hope between all parties that an agreement can be reached quickly for the striker, who City value at around £50m ($61m)," the report read. "GOAL has learned that Jesus’ representatives are now travelling to England in a bid to push through the transfer."
Last season saw Jesus play a sporadic role in Guardiola's title-winning side, finding the net eight times and providing nine assists in 28 appearances, although just over half of those were starts. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023, City are eager to cash in on the striker while they can.
