Arsenal are on the lookout for at least one centre-forward this summer after allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona during the January transfer window.
Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are also into the final three months of their respective contracts with the club, meaning a plethora of strikers are being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. One of those is Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus and football.london understands that the Brazilian international is one of the names on technical director Edu's shortlist and the transfer chief has held talks with the player's representatives in recent times.
The 25-year-old could cost the north London club around £35million, football.london understands, and he would be able to wear his dream shirt number for Mikel Arteta's side if he does complete a summer switch. Upon arriving at City back in January 2017, Jesus requested to don the No.33 on his jersey, the same number he had worn throughout his time at Brazilian side Palmeiras.
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Speaking to The Guardian at the time, he said "Yes, I plan to keep it. It’s the number I’ve been wearing since I turned professional.
"It’s a number I ended up with and I really liked. I intend to wear it for many years. I asked if the No.33 was available, they said yes." He has the number tattooed on his arm but goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo currently dons the shirt for Arsenal, at this moment in time.
However, Jesus opted to switch to the No.9 back in 2019 after Spaniard Nolito left the Etihad Stadium, a number that looks set to be free for the Gunners this summer, with Lacazette appearing likely to depart. As mentioned previously, the Frenchman's deal with the club is due to expire this summer and in a recent interview, he admitted that he has been discussing a move away with potential suitors.
Speaking to Canal Plus, the 30-year-old said: "I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open." The veteran frontman has been linked with a return to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon and he admitted that he is still in regular contact with his former side when asked about a potential return to the Groupama Stadium.
He added: "I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left. I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close. Lyon knows that I am free, they have come to the information."
