Real Madrid are said to be fearful that Chelsea have entered the race to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus this summer.
Reports from Spanish outlet AS have claimed that Carlo Ancelotti’s side believe that Chelsea have entered the race to sign the Brazilian international forward this summer. Arsenal have been heavily linked with Jesus throughout the summer, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid emerged as potential suitors over the weekend. Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the four-time Premier League winner.
Chelsea are tipped to propose a bid to City once all the legalities of Todd Boehly’s $4.25billion take over of the Blues is completed, having officially bought the club from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich last week.
Jesus is expected to be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer despite scoring 13 times in all competitions last season. City completed the £51.2million signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund last month and also have Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez linking up with the squad after signing for the Sky Blues in January from River Plate, spending the first half of 2022 out on loan in Argentina.
Arsenal had been the frontrunners for his signature for a number of months and are in need of reinforcements up front. Captain Alexandre Lacazette recently announced his exit from the club, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the club’s only recognised striker, although he could also be departing the Emirates Stadium this month.
Reports suggest that the Gunners were even willing to double the Brazilian’s current salary to £200,000 a week, highlighting the vision Arteta’s side have for Jesus in north London.
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However, while Arsenal have been increasingly keen on signing the forward, their lack of Champions League football may end their hopes of signing the striker. London rivals Tottenham pipped them to the post in sealing England’s last Champions League spot, with other linked clubs Chelsea, Real and Atletico all playing in next season’s Champions League group stages.
While at City, Jesus has scored 95 times in 236 appearances for the Sky Blues, helping them to win four league titles, one FA Cups, three Carabao Cups and two Community Shields.
However, City have often played either without a recognised striker or had Sergio Aguero ahead of Jesus in the club’s pecking order, with the striker making 151 starts at City and only 99 of those coming in the Premier League.
Jesus only scored eight goals in City’s 2021/22 Premier League title win, but the Brazilian did also contribute eight assists in his 28 league appearances, averaging a direct goal contribution every 117.5 minutes in England’s top-flight.
His career total of 58 goals have come at a rate of a goal every 160 minutes, putting him 17 th on the all-time list of fewest minutes per goal.
Chelsea struggled for goals up front in the Premier League last term. England midfielder Mason Mount ended the campaign as the Blues’ top league goalscorer with 11 goals.
