Manchester City working hard to keep Arsenal and Tottenham target Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window.
90Min report that City manager Pep Guardiola is really keen to retain the services of the Brazilian despite the signing of Erling Haaland.
Arsenal need at least one new striker after a season where a lack of firepower cost them a place in the Champions League, with their existing options set to leave.
Tottenham need a backup for Harry Kane and Jesus would add versatility to their frontline as well as pressing quality.
City working hard to keep Jesus
Their report reads: “Manchester City are working hard to persuade Gabriel Jesus to sign a new long-term deal. City were confident about new contract talks with Jesus as well as (fellow Arsenal and Tottenham target) Raheem Sterling but the season has ended without negotiations progressing and (they) are considering their options heading into the summer.
“The deals for Haaland and Julian Alvarez do reduce the chances of Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and Sterling all remaining at the Etihad, although City are working hard to convince the Brazilian to stay and are keen to impress on him that his immediate future is best served at the Premier League champions.
“Pep Guardiola has made it clear to City’s hierarchy that he does not want to lose any of the trio, but it is Jesus who he appears to be most committed to at this stage. They are fearful, however, that Jesus does not want to extend his contract.
“Arsenal and Tottenham have both had contact with Jesus’ agents and preparing offers for him if he does not sign a new deal, while there are numerous teams on the continent who are keeping tabs on him – including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
“City have made it clear to Jesus, Sterling and Mahrez that they will look to sell them this summer rather than allow any of them to leave the club on a free transfer, which is one reason why the Premier League champions are pushing hard for talks to draw to a conclusion.“
Guardiola’s desire to keep Jesus despite the arrival of Haaland to lead the line for City is an indication of how good he is.
It would be understandable if Jesus wanted to go somewhere he is more guaranteed to play regularly, and on that score, Arsenal seem like the better bet.
There is an obvious vacancy at the forefront of their attack, whereas Jesus may need to battle Dejan Kulusevski for a spot on the right of Antonio Conte’s front three.