Jack Wilshere claims Arsenal will complete the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer due to Mikel Arteta's relationship with the player.
The Gunners want to sign a new striker and have identified the Brazil international as their top target. Eddie Nketiah, whose current deal runs out this month, has been offered a new contract, while Alexandre Lacazette has returned to Lyon on a free transfer.
Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martinez and Richarlison have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium but it is understood Jesus is at the top of Arsenal's list. City could allow the 25-year-old to leave the club following Erling Haaland's big-money arrival from Borussia Dortmund and it is understood they will demand a fee in the region of £40million.
Arteta worked with Jesus during his three-and-a-half year stint as Pep Guardiola's assistant at City and is keen to reunite with the forward, who has scored 95 goals in 236 games since joining from Palmeiras in 2017. In total, Jesus has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four EFL Cups.
When asked about the possibility of Jesus signing for Arsenal, Wilshere told talkSPORT: "He has a year left on his contract? They could get him cheaper if they hold out. I've done that before [run down my contract] – you get more money that way, it's a fact.
"That’s why the players do it. I think they will be queuing up [for Jesus]. I think Arsenal will have a big chance of signing him because of his relationship with his manager. I think Newcastle would go for him. But I would love to see him at Arsenal."
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The Gunners also want to bring in a midfielder during the transfer window, with Youri Tielemans linked with a move from Leicester. The 24-year-old has one year left on his contract and could be available for a bargain price if the Foxes are willing to sell their star man this summer.
Meanwhile, the The Telegraph claimed Arsenal are considering a move for Leeds winger Raphinha. The Brazilian is one of the Premier League's most exciting prospects and his displays have reportedly attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona, but it now appears Arteta's Gunners have entered the race for his signature.
Another player who could make the switch to North London is Gianluca Scamacca, with the Sassuolo striker supposedly 'open' to playing his football outside of his native Italy next season, despite previously enduring a difficult stint in the Netherlands with PSV. That is according to The Athletic, who claim the 23-year-old may be on his way to the Gunners.
