Arsenal are keen on signing Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus – but Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem all that bothered by the speculation.
The Gunners are desperate for a striking addition or two this summer and it seems that Jesus is now one of the prime targets.
The Athletic claim that Edu has been in talks with Jesus’s representatives for months now. Arsenal are considered to be favourites for his signature.
Jesus is out of contract in 2023 and City are seemingly prepared to sell for the right price. With Erling Haaland potentially on his way in, that stance shouldn’t be a shock.
Mikel Arteta worked with Jesus at City and the pair could yet reunite at Arsenal.
Jesus hasn’t always been the most clinical striker but he responded to the exit rumours in style on Saturday.
Jesus smashed four goals in a 5-1 win over Watford and even set up Rodri’s long-range goal.
Even for the goal he scored from the penalty spot, Jesus won the spot kick itself. The Brazilian was simply unstoppable against the Hornets.
That performance alone may just help City hike the price up for Jesus a little. They can at least point to this display if Arsenal think they can secure a bargain.
For now though, City boss Pep Guardiola isn’t really thinking about an exit for Jesus.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola made a point of reminding everybody that Jesus is still a City player.
Guardiola noted the doesn’t really care about the final outcome with Jesus and his future as his sole focus is on winning.
Guardiola is concentrating on winning the Premier League title and simply doesn’t know what will happen with the ‘fantastic’ Jesus as Arsenal chase a deal.
“I want to tell you something; Gabriel is our player. I don’t know what is going to happen, but he is a Man City player. When he has days like today, I am the happiest man in the world!” said Guardiola. “Every player is happy when they play 90 minutes all the time but at the end of the season whether he wants to extend, stay or leave, I don’t know or don’t care. We have less than one month. My only concern is the players will do everything to try and win, after that no one knows what will happen.”
“If one person in the world deserves nights like this, it’s him. There is no one on the backroom staff or who knows him that isn’t happy for him. When you are so positive and generous as he is in every way, life and football can reward you. When he has situations like this we’re happy for him because he’s so generous. It doesn’t matter what position he’s in, we know how he fights for his mates. He’s fantastic,” he added.
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