Speaking to Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano in recent weeks, Gabriel Jesus' agent said that although Arsenal's project is liked, six other clubs were showing an interest in his client. Tottenham and Juventus have since been linked with the Brazilian international, but now it's Real Madrid's name doing the rounds.
Jesus is one of several players who have been offered to the Champions League winners in recent days and is 'being considered' after his agent contacted the La Liga side, a report from Cadena Ser via Marca claims. It's added that, unlike other proposals, Jesus is liked by Carlo Ancelotti which could firm up interest.
However, former Arsenal player Serge Gnabry has already helped reveal Madrid's stance when it comes to signing new forwards this summer and its one that will no doubt please Mikel Arteta. That's because despite Gnabry looking increasingly likely to leave Bayern Munich following unsuccessful contract talks, Los Blancos are not interested in signing him and have shown no interest so far as they feel satisfied with Rodrygo and Marco Asensio.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed Serge Gnabry transfer boost as Real Madrid make decision on Bayern Munich star
As well as there already being strong competition out on the flanks at Real, it's home to one of the best strikers in the world with Karim Benzema the undisputed centre forward at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although he has most recently taken up more of a wide role for Manchester City, Jesus' natural position is down the middle but Real Madrid's current options mean he would not be a guaranteed starter in Spain despite offering versatility.
For the player himself, this could prove to be a big stumbling block after various reports suggested that the 25-year-old wants to have a key role at his next club following inconsistent game time under Pep Guardiola - something that could repeat itself under Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, a move to Arsenal would present the majority of things Jesus is looking for. Not only would he most likely become the club's main man up front, taking over from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, but there is also room for him to feature out wide with Nicolas Pepe's own future up in the air.
Regular game time will never have to be a concern for Jesus again, and he will be part of an exciting young team within a league he already knows incredibly well. Not to mention, this team is managed by someone he highly admires after being coached by Arteta for two years at The Citizens.
football.london understands talks between Arsenal and Jesus' representatives have been taking place over the last few months, with reports suggesting Manchester City are looking for a fee in the region of £55m. Despite this being a questionable figure considering he has just over a year left on his current deal, these lengthy discussions are likely to have established a positive relationship which could lead to demands being loosened.
As this transfer link has gone on, it has become increasingly apparent, to me at least, that it's not so much about the money, but more about the project and role that comes with it. Jesus wants to feel valued, and it leaves Arsenal as a perfect destination.
Real Madrid, Juventus and even Spurs may be able to offer Champions League football, but if Jesus wants to play a pivotal part throughout his next challenge, he'll make the right choice and reunite with, in his words, "a fantastic manager" in the form of Arteta.
