Gabriel Jesus could be on his way to Arsenal this summer should the Man City striker opt to leave the club.
The Brazilian has endured an up and down career at the Etihad Stadium, first playing back up to club legend Sergio Aguero and having to make do with appearances off the bench or being used when Aguero was injured or being rested. Since the Argentinian has left, Jesus been played primarily out wide with the club seeking a central replacement for Aguero.
Since being deployed through the middle in the final few games of the Premier League campaign, Jesus has justified his place in the team with six goals in as many games, though he did fail to find the back of the net in his last three Premier League games. His inability to cement a place in City's first team has led to speculation he could be leaving this summer. And he has already made a 'clear decision' on his future ahead of a holiday.
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According to football.london, the Gunners are preparing a bid in the region of £35million. Enquiries began last November and Edu has kept in close contact with the player's agent and the striker as the Gunners look to land a marquee forward over the next few months.
Acquiring a player with the pedigree and finishing of Jesus would be a major coup for any club, let alone Arsenal. And should he put pen to paper, it's extremely likely his shirt would be in demand for supporters. But what shirt number would he don if he was to make a move to north London?
Currently wearing 9 for City, Jesus arrived in Manchester wearing 33 before making the switch to nine in the 2019/20 season. Prior to that, he wore the same in Brazil with Palmerias though he did wear the number 12 shirt the season before he joined City. Only 12 is currently available at the Emirates Stadium, with 33 currently worn by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
The number 9 shirt is currently worn by club captain Alexandre Lacazette but his contract is up this summer and the Frenchman is likely to leave north London. Lacazette's departure would free the shirt for the incoming Brazilian, as well as open up a place for him in the starting XI.
Should manager Mikel Arteta want to secure his target, handing him his preferred nine jersey and using him solely through the middle could be enough to get a potential transfer over the line. The lack of Champions League football could be a stumbling block, however, with Tottenham also reported to be interested.
