Arsenal: Edu 'has told' £45m star he will be the 'number nine' at the Emirates | OneFootball

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Arsenal could hold an advantage over Tottenham in the race for Gabriel Jesus‘ signature after sporting director Edu told the Brazilian he will be first choice striker, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The north London rivals are both interested in signing the £45m-rated Manchester City attacker, but Bridge believes that Arsenal being able to offer him a regular starting place puts them in pole position.

What’s the latest news involving Jesus?

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old is Mikel Arteta’s primary striker target this summer, with Jesus open to a move to the Emirates despite Arsenal missing out on qualifying for the Champions League.

Jesus has scored 95 goals during his five-and-a-half years at City, but his opportunities are set to reduce next season following the arrival to Erling Haaland.

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Therefore, Arsenal are hoping to make him their number one striker, with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract.

But the Telegraph reckon that Tottenham, who are desperate to bring in someone to compete and provide competition for Harry Kane, are expected to battle it out with their neighbours for Jesus’ signature.

However, with Kane a nailed on starter when fit, Jesus would find himself in a similar position to what he’s currently in at the Etihad Stadium, which is why Bridge thinks the Gunners have the edge.

What did Bridge say about Jesus?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Gabriel Jesus has been told by Edu that he will be Arsenal’s number nine. I’d imagine City will entertain the likes of Tottenham being involved in a bit of a bidding war and Tottenham have that carrot of Champions League football over Arsenal, but Arsenal would stress that Jesus would be a central part, whereas you can’t convince anyone of that when you’ve got Harry Kane.”

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Why do Arsenal want Jesus?

Despite many of his City appearances coming from the bench, Jesus still has a proven record in England’s top-flight.

In 158 Premier League games, he’s scored 58 goals and laid on 32 assists, which means he directly contributes to a league goal every 103.3 minutes.

Furthermore, Jesus has also scored goals at Champions League level, netting 20 times in just more than 2,203 minutes of European action for City.

Some won’t consider Jesus as elite level but given that Arsenal’s top scoring striker this season was Nketiah, who scored five goals, all of which came from April onwards, he would definitely improve Arteta’s squad.