Arsenal very close to signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City | OneFootball

Arsenal are said to be ‘very close’ to sealing a deal to bring Gabriel Jesus to the Emirates.

With the news that Alexandre Lacazette is set to return to Lyon on a free transfer, Arsenal are said to be ‘very close’ to agreeing a deal in the region of €50m-€60m to bring Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

With Tottenham and a host of others said to be after his signature, it is being reported that the Brazilian is keen to hook up with Mikel Arteta once again, despite the Gunners being without Champions League football for next season.

Speaking after he scored for Brazil against South Korea in a 5-1 win, Jesus said, “I’m looking to see what’s best for me and above all, for my career.

“From Tuesday, we’ll see what is the best.”

Gabriel Magalhaes responds to Jesus-to-Arsenal reports

Gabriel Magalhaes has admitted the Brazil dressing room has been joking about Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal, but it’s not decided yet.

Arsenal already have two Gabriels in the Brazil dressing room for the upcoming international break, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes both receiving call-ups once again.

But if all the reports are to be believed, the Gunners are hoping to add a third with Gabriel Jesus.

Responding to the speculation in a press conference, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes admitted they’ve been joking about the transfer behind the scenes, and he suggests he’d like to see it go through.

“We joke in the dressing room, but nothing is certain,” Magalhaes said. “He is certainly a quality player and, if he goes to Arsenal, he will help us a lot.”

The Athletic report that Arsenal remain optimistic that their interest in Jesus will eventually lead to a transfer.

The striker is the Gunners’ number-one target, and they hope reports of Manchester City demanding £50m are simply part of the negotiating process.

Football.London had previously reported that Arsenal were set to place a £35m bid for his signature.

Goal wrote last week that Arsenal are yet to place an opening bid for Jesus, as they wait for the conclusion of the player’s talks with the City hierarchy. His representatives have already travelled to England to work on that conclusion.

The Telegraph initially linked Tottenham Hotspur with interest in Jesus, but they’ve since added that sources in Brazil suggest Arsenal are the more likely destination if the two clubs both agree a deal with City.

Speaking to Sky Sports recently, David Ornstein claimed that Jesus of Manchester City is at the top of Arsenal’s list for signings in the striker position.

Jesus reportedly does exactly what Mikel Arteta is looking for in a striker, as well as having a personal relationship with both Arteta and Arsenal technical director Edu.

The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and assisted 12 in 41 appearances this season, a goal or assist every 103 minutes.