Top Arsenal target offered to Real Madrid and Atletico in blow to Arteta’s recruitment drive

Joe Williams
Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus looks at his team-mates

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has been offered to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in a blow to Arsenal, according to reports.

The Brazil international has scored 95 goals in 236 appearances since joining Man City from Palmeiras in 2017.

Jesus had a quiet season in 2021/22 but came alive towards the end of the campaign with six goals in his last seven appearances.


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He only started 21 of 38 Premier League matches last term and the arrival of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund is likely to reduce his playing time once again next season.

After losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona earlier this year and with Alexandre Lacazette leaving on a free at the end of this month, Arsenal are on the lookout for a forward.

Multiple reports have put Jesus as their top target with Victor Osimhen proving too expensive but a lack of Champions League football next season could count against Arsenal.

And in a blow to their pursuit of Jesus, Cadena Ser journalist Anton Meana has claimed that the Brazilian has been offered to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, who can both provide the Man City man with Champions League football.

It is unclear whether the two Spanish giants want to pursue a deal for Jesus but the journalist outlines that it will cost any club €5m (£4.3m) after tax per year to sign the 25-year-old.

But former Arsenal and Man City right-back Bacary Sagna reckons Jesus should remain at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

“I believe he will stay at the club; I don’t see him playing anywhere else, he belongs to Manchester City,” Sagna said recently.

“He can still have such a big impact at the club. He’s scored many goals, so he’s very important.

“The way he presses, the way he is tight with the ball, he’s a different style but he’s a key player still for Man City so I don’t see him leaving. I don’t see him performing for another team.

“I personally think he should stay because they are very close to winning the Champions League.”