Arsenal are ‘increasingly confident’ of agreeing a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
Jesus is keen to leave the Premier League champions and sign for Arsenal this summer, with the forward having emerged as a priority target for the North Londoners.
Arsenal saw an opening offer worth up to £30m rejected by City last week, though Times are reporting that the Gunners are confident of agreeing terms over a deal with an improved offer expected to be submitted.
City value Jesus in the region of £50m, despite the Brazil international entering the final season of his contract this summer. The 25-year-old has been offered to Premier League rivals Tottenham and Chelsea, but is believed to want a move to the Emirates and Arsenal will move closer to City’s valuation with a new bid.
Jesus scored 13 goals in all competitions for City last season but has struggled to command a regular role in the side, whilst the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez will increase competition for places in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The Brazilian is keen to secure regular football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this winter and previously worked under Arteta during the latter’s spell on Guardiola’s coaching staff at the Etihad.
Arsenal’s focus has been on signing a centre-forward with Alexandre Lacazette having returned to Lyon on a free transfer, whilst the Gunners also allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to depart for Barcelona in the winter window.
