Arsenal are all set for a huge summer transfer window and if the Gunners can make it into next season's Champions League it will do their chances of attracting top talent a world of good. It is set to be a battle between themselves and north London rivals Tottenham for the final spot.
Mikel Arteta has already revealed that he is expecting a busy summer with the Spaniard desiring a bigger squad to contend with imminent demands that European football will place on them. It is in attack that they particularly need to strengthen and a number of top names have been linked with a move.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed in the January transfer window and the striker is yet to be replaced. Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette have been used in the middle of Arteta's front three in the time since
However, the latest name to be put into the hat is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus. Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola reports that the Gunners are in “advanced talks” with the forward over a potential move in the summer, but with no agreement with City over a transfer fee.
With Jesus vying for a spot on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup later this year, a pursuit of more regular game time may force the move. The 25-year-old has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, scoring eight and assisting eight.
The forward’s contract runs until 2023, and with links to Arsenal opening up, it could see him reunite with Arteta. The two worked with each other when the Gunners boss was assistant manager under Pep Guardiola.
Jesus gave his verdict on the manager when he made the move to Arsenal in late 2019. He said: "He's helped a lot of players. When I want to do finishing after training, I tell him and he comes and helps me.
"So he is really fantastic for us. All the players know that — everyone knows that in the club. He is a fantastic guy and fantastic manager. I don't honestly know what he thinks about his career, that is for him. I hope he can find his way and I hope he can be happy."
It remains to be seen if the two will unite once more, but with Arsenal’s striker conundrum and his need for playing time, it could be a match made in heaven.
