Arsenal have been told why they mustn't allow the signing of Gabriel Jesus to fall into the hands of Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Manchester City striker and technical director Edu has held talks with the player's representatives in recent months, football.london understand.
Mikel Arteta is in the market for a centre-forward this summer after allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona during the January transfer window, while Alexandre Lacazette is also set to leave when his contract expires in the coming weeks. However, the west Londoners are also said to be interested in Jesus following Romelu Lukaku's disappointing return to Stamford Bridge.
As it stands, Arsenal have just Eddie Nketiah in the ranks ahead of next season. Despite having look set to leave the Emirates Stadium, the 23-year-old now reportedly looks set to sign a new deal.
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The former Hale End graduate impressed late into the season, finding a flurry of goals after a succession of Premier League starts. Nketiah made 21 league appearances, scoring five goals and assisting once.
According to the Daily Mail, it's believed that the striker is poised to pen a five-year deal that would keep him in north London until 2027, with a wage of £100k-a-week. There is also a £5million bonus that will be paid out across the deal, potentially saving the Gunners millions in signing another striker.
However, despite Nketiah's spritely end to the season, Gabby Agbonlahor insisted that Arteta can not rely on the youngster and must sign Jesus. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa striker said of the City forward: "They have to get him, they have to get him, Arsenal.
"He’s the perfect striker for Arsenal - it just looks a lot better for Arsenal doesn’t it and they just need that striker. They can’t rely on Nketiah next season."
Still on the subject of Jesus to Arsenal, Agbonlahor added: "He’s going to be hungry. He’s going to want to play football as well. The World Cup is coming up in November. He’s going to need to be playing football - and he’s guaranteed that at Arsenal."
football.london understand that Tammy Abraham is also on the club's shortlist of profiles this summer amid Arteta's search for a new striker. However, Spanish outlet Sport have reported that the north London outfit are, in fact, pursuing Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata.
It's believed that Arsenal have lodged an offer of €30million (£26million) for the former Chelsea striker, and they are said to be 'very close' to securing his services. But, Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by Sport Witness, claim that the 29-year-old isn't convinced by about a return to the Premier League.
