Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s primary centre-forward target and sources at the club and in Brazil are optimistic he’ll eventually join.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their team's third goal with Gabriel Jesus during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal with Gabriel Jesus during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Athletic report that Arsenal remain optimistic that their interest in Gabriel Jesus will eventually lead to a transfer.

The striker is the Gunners’ number-one target, and they hope reports of Manchester City demanding £50m are simply part of the negotiating process.

Football.London had previously reported that Arsenal were set to place a £35m bid for his signature.

Goal write that Arsenal are yet to place an opening bid for Jesus, as they wait for the conclusion of the player’s talks with the City hierarchy. His representatives are now in England to work on that conclusion.

The Telegraph initially linked Tottenham Hotspur with interest in Jesus, but they’ve since added that sources in Brazil suggest Arsenal are the more likely destination if the two clubs both agree a deal with City.

At the end of the Premier League season, Jesus responded to questions about his next steps.

“About my future, it’s still uncertain,” Jesus said. “I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the City people and to my agent.

“I have in my head very clear what I want. Today, I want to celebrate a lot with City.”

LEEDS, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Phil Foden after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on April 30, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Phil Foden after scoring their side’s third goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on April 30, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sports recently, David Ornstein claimed that Jesus of Manchester City is at the top of Arsenal’s list for signings in the striker position.

Jesus reportedly does exactly what Mikel Arteta is looking for in a striker, as well as having a personal relationship with both Arteta and Arsenal technical director Edu.

The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and assisted 12 in 41 appearances this season, a goal or assist every 103 minutes.