Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s priority signing after tying up a deal for Fabio Vieira, with the Gunners and Manchester City now closing their valuation gap.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish of Manchester City celebrate with the Premier League trophy after their side finished the season as Premier League champions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish of Manchester City celebrate with the Premier League trophy after their side finished the season as Premier League champions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Going into the summer, Arsenal’s clear areas of need were up front and in midfield. With the signing of midfielder Fabio Vieira, the focus turns to the centre-forward position, with Gabriel Jesus the priority target.

Sky Sports report that City want around £50m to sell Jesus, with Arsenal’s valuation lower than that. But it’s not a huge gap at this stage, and the suggestion is that we might see some movement on that deal this week.

The Daily Mail write that whilst Arsenal’s initial £35m bid for Jesus was rejected, they’re not hopeful of an agreement closer to City’s asking price.

Despite links to the likes of Youri Tielemans and Lisandro Martinez in recent days, Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal’s technical director Edu has Jesus as his main priority at the moment.

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)

The Times reported on Thursday that Arsenal were closing in on Gabriel Jesus, growing increasingly confident that they’re close to a deal.

The same outlet added that Jesus wants to join Arsenal, and whilst the Gunners’ initial £30m bid was rejected, they’re now expected to increase it to get closer to Manchester City’s £50m valuation.

The Telegraph also added that talks over a deal were advancing.

Jesus scored 13 goals and assisted 12 in 41 City appearances this season, a goal or assist every 103 minutes.