Gabriel Jesus’ agent has confirmed their talks with Arsenal, admitting they like the Gunners project and the transfer is a possibility.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Gabriel Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati told him: “We had talks with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus, we like the project – it’s a possibility we’re discussing.
“There are 6 more clubs interested in Gabriel – he’s focused on final games with Man City, we’ll see.”
Reports from Brazil suggest Gabriel knows he needs to play regularly next season to ensure his place in Tite’s World Cup team, hence he wants an amicable departure from Manchester City in June.
That same report suggests City want €60m (£51.3m) for the sale, though there isn’t really any way to verify that. In England, most reports suggest Arsenal haven’t made any contact with City yet, so it seems unlikely they’ve been given a valuation.
Romano previously reported that there are currently no conversations between City and Jesus over a contract extension.
The striker’s deal expires in 2023, so you’d expect his future to be sorted out one way or another in the coming months.
Speaking to The Athletic Football Podcast, David Ornstein claimed that Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar and Jesus’ representatives have been talking for a number of months. These latest quotes from the player’s agent seem to confirm that.
Goal in Brazil write that Jesus’ agent is expected to act as an intermediary in negotations with City, and a transfer is certainly not off the table.
Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail previously claimed that Jesus is expected to leave Manchester City this summer. That has been the plan for months now, as City prepared to sign Erling Haaland.
Gaughan adds that Jesus wants to prove himself as a no. 9, after playing out wide quite a lot for City this season. Combine that with the addition of Haaland and you can see why the striker might be keen to leave.
Jesus has 13 goals and 12 assists in 39 games for City this season, a goal contribution every 96 minutes on average, despite often playing out wide.