Chelsea and Arsenal handed boost in Gabriel Jesus pursuit
Cameron Smith
- 10 Jun 2022 16:04 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea and Arsenal have both been handed a boost as they look to add Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus to their ranks.
The Brazilian is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, five-and-a-half years after joining from Palmeiras in his homeland.
His contract at Man City is due to expire in 2023, and the player has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club in search of more regular game time. While he has featured in 28 or more Premier League games in each of his five full seasons at the club, Jesus has been a rotation option throughout, playing second fiddle to Man City's other forward options.
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The forward started 21 league games during the 2021/22 campaign, contributing 17 goals and assists, his second-best in a Man City shirt after the 2019/20 season.
However, he is looking for a new challenge, and several clubs are interested. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are keen to keep the player in the Premier League as they look to solve their respective issues in forward areas.
For Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette has re-joined Lyon on a free transfer, while Eddie Nketiah is yet to agree a new deal, leaving Mikel Arteta without a recognised senior striker heading into pre-season.
On the other hand, Chelsea are preparing for the possible departure of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku, who could leave after just one season back at Stamford Bridge. A move away, however, is likely to be an initial loan.
No to Real Madrid
Real Madrid have also shown an interest in the Brazil international, following Kylian Mbappe's contract renewal at Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman was Los Blancos' top target for this summer, but have been forced to turn elsewhere following his decision to stay at the Parc des Princes.
Raheem Sterling and his Man City team-mate Jesus have both been linked, but Fabrizio Romano has reported that the latter will not be joining the Spanish giants. Instead, he will remain in the Premier League and he will be leaving Man City this summer.
It comes as positive news for both Chelsea and Arsenal, who will be competing with each other, but crucially not Real Madrid, for Jesus' signature.
