'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal are increasingly confident that they are edging closer to striking a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, according to The Times.
Jesus has just one more year remaining on his contract with the Premier League champions. Erling Haaland's arrival from Borussia Dortmund has also cast doubt over the forward's future at the Etihad Stadium. City have also signed another striker in Julian Alvarez from River Plate.
The Brazil international has been tipped to put an end to his association with Manchester City ahead of the 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, it emerged in April that Arsenal are considering the possibility of signing Jesus and have opened talks with his representatives.
Mikel Arteta's stepped up their interest in the 25-year-old by making a formal offer last week, according to the aforementioned source. The bid, which was said to be worth up to £30 million, was immediately turned down by the Cityzens.
Arsenal, though, are expected to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer for the striker. Their renewed bid will reportedly be closer to Manchester City's valuation of £50 million.
According to The Times, the north London giants are thus 'close to agreeing' a deal to sign Jesus. The player is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new campaign.
There were concerns that Jesus could decide against a move to Arsenal after they failed to finish in the top four of the Premier League in the recently-concluded season. However, he is looking forward to reuniting with Arteta, whom he worked with at Manchester City, as per the report.
The forward is also believed to have been offered to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Emirates Stadium appears to be his likely destination as things stand.
Why do Arsenal need a forward?
The Gunners allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona in January. Alexandre Lacazette is also set to leave the club on a free transfer and and will join Olympique Lyon on a free transfer on 1 July.
Arteta's side are thus in the market for at least one new forward ahead of the 2022-23 season. The Spaniard has reportedly identified Jesus as his top target to strengthen his options in attack.
Jesus scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists from 41 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City in 2021-22. The Brazilian can also play across the front three, making him an attractive target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, the London giants are also positive about signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, as per The Times.
