Jesus' move to Arsenal could be helped by Chelsea's Nkunku interest
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 9 Jun 2022 15:52 BST
- 3 min read
London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are both looking to solve their striker issues by dipping into the market this summer, and there could be some big moves made.
Chelsea have been in the market after a season where Romelu Lukaku struggled for form and didn’t live up to his massive price tag having signed from Inter last season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, need more options following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette over the course of the season and only have Eddie Nketiah as an option.
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Both clubs have lined up several options to help their teams, and they could lend the other a helping hand depending on the targets they pursue in in the coming months.
Chelsea and Arsenal have both been interested in a move for Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian’s experience and decent record making this an attractive proposition.
The Gunners’ however, seem to be ahead in the race for the 25-year-old, and the fact that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta previously worked with Jesus could sway the deal in their favour.
Chelsea's Nkunku interest could favour Arsenal
Chelsea have also been eyeing up other targets, namely Christopher Nkunku, who would cost close to £100 million having endured an incredible campaign in Germany where he was crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Season.
Should Nkunku make the move to Stamford Bridge, it would open the door for Arsenal to sign Jesus, and fight off competition from others.
One of many @C_Nk97 worldies this season 🌎⚽
Adding free-kicks to his extensive repertoire to join the #BundesligaGOTS nominees list. 👏 ✅ pic.twitter.com/gvtaJ1YKaK— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) May 26, 2022
Jesus is of high interest to clubs outside England too, with Real Madrid also seeing him as a worthwhile back-up option to Karim Benzema, and they have been exploring the possibility of signing him.
The Brazilian only has a year left on his contract at Manchester City, and looks likely to leave this year following the Premier League champions’ signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
Manager Pep Guardiola hasn’t relied on Jesus as the primary number nine option, often rotating for Raheem Sterling or Phil Foden in that position, creating a feeling that Jesus isn’t his long-term choice.
He is still at a good age to make an impact at another club, and would be interested in moving elsewhere if the opportunity is right at this stage of his career.
This will be one of the summer’s long transfer sagas, as there is plenty of interest in Jesus, and a willingness to sell from Manchester City, inviting more bidders and potentially creating a bidding war.
