Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus looks set to become Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer as manager Mikel Arteta continues to rebuild his young squad.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner, Portuguese playmaker Fabio Vieira and Brazilian youngster Marquinhos have already been announced by the club this summer, but a new striker to lead the north Londoners' frontline was always a priority for the summer window. Now, it looks like they have got their man, too, with Brazilian international Gabriel Jesus set to sign for the Gunners this week.
The former Palmeiras frontman fell down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium last season, and after the arrival of Norwegian starlet Erling Haaland, the reigning champions felt the time was right to let him leave. So, with this in mind, football.london brings you all the latest on the race for Jesus' signature.
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Announcement 'revealed'
Jesus took to social media on Sunday evening ahead of his imminent Arsenal transfer, posting a picture in his car captioned: "Going towards my dream." His message made it no secret of his feelings towards the Gunners, clearly excited for for the next step of his career.
And according to The Sun, he will be officially unveiled by the club sometime on Monday as supporters patiently wait for the official announcement.
Transfer update
There has been some concern surrounding the lack of an announcement for Gabriel Jesus, however Fabrizio Romano's update suggests there are no issues. The reporter claims the official announcement is close and everything is signed between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Transfer 'completed'
The player's medical clearly went well. On Tuesday afternoon, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that the deal had been completed and that Jesus was now an Arsenal player.
He posted on Twitter: "Medical successfully completed for Gabriel Jesus in London today as expected, he's new Arsenal player until June 2027. It's all signed and completed between clubs too. Official statement pending - Gabriel joins for £45m fee from Man City."
Pictured with Edu
On Tuesday, the Brazilian was pictured arriving in north London for his medical ahead of his transfer. The pictures, obtained by The Sun, showed Jesus meeting Arsenal director Edu with the compatriots sharing a hug as the striker stepped out of the car. An official announcement is now expected in the coming days.
Move 'agreed'
Gabriel Jesus is poised to join Arsenal after agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal, according to The Guardian. The talented frontman will reportedly sign for a fee of £45million following an agreement between the Gunners and City.
Verbal' agreement' in place
Arsenal have now reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City over the transfer of Jesus, according to various reports.
It follows extensive talks between the two parties, which have been ongoing for a number of months. A deal said to be worth £45m has now been agreed, and all that's left to sort is personal terms with the player. This is not expected to be an issue.
Agent in London
According to a report from GOAL, Jesus' representatives 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."
Read more via this link.
Man City stance
As per Fabrizio Romano, Man City are aiming to generate a total of around £94million from the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling amid strong Arsenal and Chelsea links, respectively.
He tweeted: "Raheem Sterling, Chelsea top target as reported last Tuesday. Man City want around €55/60m - approach for €25m & add-ons turned down.
"Chelsea will be back with a new bid soon - as Man City are open to let him go. Man City want €100/110m from Gabriel Jesus & Sterling."
AC Milan join race
As per 90min, the new Italian champions are watching the player's situation closely. Milan's decision to join the chase could very well catch Jesus' interest as he revealed earlier in his career that he was a fan of the Rossoneri - dating back to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo's time at the club.
Whether he wants to stay in the Premier League or move elsewhere remains to be seen, but it's a saga that is not going away anytime soon.
Read more here.
Lukaku impact
With the new ownership group eager to bolster Chelsea's armoury, The Telegraph report that after player sales are taken into account, Thomas Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side. As part of Boehly's mission to strengthen The Blues, it's believed that the LA Dodgers co-owner is keen to narrow the gap between the west Londoners and the Premier League's runaway title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool.
And in doing so, it's believed that Jesus has attracted the interest of Chelsea, who are said to have joined the race following Romelu Lukaku's disappointing return to Stamford Bridge.
Personal terms 'agreed'
Arsenal have agreed on personal terms with Jesus, according to Football Insider. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a reunion with Arteta, having played under him at Manchester City when he was assistant manager.
Jesus gave his verdict on the Spanish manager when he made a move to Arsenal in late 2019. He said: "He's helped a lot of players. When I want to do finishing after training, I tell him, and he comes and helps me.
"So he is really fantastic for us. All the players know that — everyone knows that in the club. He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic manager. I don't honestly know what he thinks about his career, that is for him. I hope he can find his way, and I hope he can be happy."
Arsenal willing to significantly increase salary
According to the Sun, Jesus is also on the radar for clubs in Spain and Italy, but Arsenal are understood to be offering better terms, worth a basic £190,000-per-week plus bonuses.
That would be a major increase on his £110,000-per-week City salary, and he also had a successful relationship with Mikel Arteta when the Arsenal boss was Pep Guardiola's assistant.
Deal 'very close' as Edu plans £51m move
Brazilian journalist Rodrigo Oliveira has told Calciomercato.it, via Sport Witness, that Arsenal are close to signing Gabriel Jesus:
"Many top clubs are on Gabriel Jesus, but the one in pole position is Arsenal," he said. "The player wants to leave Manchester City. Jesus is very close to signing with the Gunners. He is very suited to English football and wants to stay in England, and Arsenal want to make a good offer, so Arsenal will probably take on Gabriel Jesus, who lost space with Brazil in recent months.
"Many players have overtaken him in the hierarchy [national team], which is why he wants to stay in England. At the same time, Arsenal are ready to make a great offer, perhaps even for €50-60m (£42.5million-£51million) and are in pole position."
Gabriel Magalhaes verdict
Arsenal centre-half Gabriel Magalhaes has offered his thoughts on a potential move for his countryman, admitting the 25-year-old would be a welcome addition to Mikel Arteta's squad. "We joke around in the dressing room, but there's nothing certain," Gabriel told a press conference this week.
"Of course, he's a quality player, and if he goes to Arsenal, he would help us a lot."
Agent admission
Gabriel Jesus' agent Marcelo Pettinati has claimed that talks regarding the former Palmeiras star's future will take place next month. Speaking to Freddie Paxton, Pettinati said: "At the moment, we understand all of the projects [on offer], so right now isn't the time to say anything. Things will advance after his time with the national team."
Tottenham interest
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal's local rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in bringing Jesus to north London this summer, with Antonio Conte said to be keen on the 25-year-old. Spurs pipped the Gunners to fourth in the Premier League, meaning they have a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League, whilst Arteta's men will be playing in the Europa League instead.
football.london previously reported that the talented is a player that Spurs admire.
Asking price twist
Manchester City will demand £55million to sign Gabriel Jesus this summer, according to ESPN. The report claims that initial contacts have been made between the two clubs, although the north Londoners have been left bemused by City's valuation of the player, given he only has one year left on his current contract.
Jesus decides stance on Arsenal transfer
As per the Express, Jesus and his representatives have decided they will not completely rule out a transfer to Arsenal if the club fail to secure Champions League football. It looks as though Arteta's side will miss out on qualification after successive losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. They trail Spurs by two points with one game to go, but with the Lilywhites facing already relegated Norwich City on the final day, they're unlikely to drop any points.
Bid prepared
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are finally preparing a bid for Jesus. Taking to social media, Romano said: "Arsenal are also preparing their opening bid for Gabriel Jesus." football.london reported last month that the north London outfit are expected to lodge a bid in the region of £35million this summer.
Agent revelation
Jesus' agent, Marcelo Pettinati, has spoken about the future of his client. Admitting that the north Londoners are indeed keen to sign the former Palmeiras star before claiming that there are also six other clubs interested in the Brazilian international. He said "We had talks with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus, we like the project - it's a possibility we're discussing," Pettinati told transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
"There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel - he's focused on final games with Man City, we'll see."
Jesus speaks out
Jesus has refused to speak about his future at the Etihad Stadium following recent reports linking him with a summer move to the north London outfit. "Not time to think about this," he said when quizzed about leaving Pep Guardiola's side.
"You expect me to say this, and it's true. Not time to think about this. Now is the best moment of the season.
"I want to enjoy it, keep focused on my teammates to fight for the Premier League. I've won with my teammates three times already, so I know how it feels, and I want to again.
"We have a tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid, a tough opponent. That's my focus."
Edu talks
football.london understands that City forward Jesus and Roma frontman Tammy Abraham are among the shortlisted profiles who could arrive at Emirates Stadium this summer. Jesus, in particular, remains open to leaving the current Premier League champions, with his representative holding talks with Edu throughout the past few months.
Read more here.
Guardiola speaks out on Jesus' future
Following Jesus' first Premier League four-goal haul against Watford on Saturday, April 23, Guardiola spoke about the speculation on Jesus' future.
The City manager said: "I want to tell you something; Gabriel [Jesus] is our player. I don't know what is going to happen, but he is a Man City player. When he has days like today, I am the happiest man in the world!
"Every player is happy when they play 90 minutes all the time, but at the end of the season, whether he wants to extend, stay or leave, I don't know or don't care. We have less than one month. My only concern is the players will do everything to try and win, after that, no one knows what will happen.
"If one person in the world deserves nights like this, it's him. There is no one on the backroom staff or who knows him that isn't happy for him. When you are so positive and generous as he is in every way, life and football can reward you.
"When he has situations like this, we're happy for him because he's so generous. It doesn't matter what position he's in, we know how he fights for his mates. He's fantastic."
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