Arsenal reportedly remain confident in their efforts to secure the signing of Gabriel Jesus in the upcoming transfer window. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Manchester City striker, with Mikel Arteta in the market for a new striker following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
football.london understand that technical director Edu has held talks with the 25-year-old's representatives in recent months. However, with the absence of Champions League qualification, Jesus has been reluctant to pen a deal at the Emirates Stadium which has left the door open for Chelsea, who are also said to be interested following Romelu Lukaku's disappointing return to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal, who have a long-standing interest in the Brazil international are now set to schedule a new round of talks to a bid to 'reiterate' desire to sign Jesus, according to The Telegraph. Pep Guardiola's side are said to value their forward at £50million and the north London outfit are in fact 'confident' of completing a deal.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta set for transfer window bonus as Arsenal signings can benefit from World Cup change
With Arteta and Edu believed to be big admirers of Jesus, Arsenal are reportedly willing to match the Brazilian's wage demands. And, with Eddie Nketiah expected to pen a new deal, reports claim that the Gunners are offering undisputed first-team football to the City striker.
While Arsenal may not have Champions League qualification in their favour, the Gunners boss' desire to undergo an overhaul - similar to last years £150million venture - could emerge as a lucrative selling point.
When Arteta was asked if he expects another busy transfer window in terms of player recruitment, the Spaniard said: "I am expecting so, yes. I think both competitions [the Champions League and Europa League] require a much larger squad because the amount of games you play is much bigger in both, so I don’t think [which you qualify for] makes a lot of difference or changes a lot.
"If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers. You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time."
