are considering alternative targets after they were informed of ’s £55million asking price for Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazil international is expected to inform of his desire to leave City in the summer after Sunday’s final game of the Premier League season.
Jesus has played an increasingly influential role this term but the impending arrivals of and Julian Alvarez will increase the level of competition for a starting place.
Arsenal’s transfer budget is unlikely to be significantly impacted by their likely failure to secure Champions League qualification and have held preliminary talks with Jesus’ agent.
Speaking last week, Marcelo Pettinati said: ‘We had discussions with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus and yes, we like the project.
‘It’s a serious possibility so we’re discussing.
‘There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel Jesus, he’s now focused on final games with Manchester City, then we’ll see what happens.’
According to , Arsenal have now made direct contact with City but have been taken aback by the fee the Premier League champions are seeking for a player who has just one year left on his contract.
Arsenal discarded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January but were unable to replace him and forced to rely on Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom are free agents as of next month.
The Gunners were linked with Alexander Isaak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin but they will find it hard to lure their top targets once their place in the Europa League is confirmed.
In order to leapfrog Tottenham, Mikel Arteta’s side will need a favour from relegated Norwich on the final day and ensure they, themselves, win at home against Everton.
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