forward Gabriel Jesus has not ruled out the prospect of joining this summer despite the Gunners being set to miss out on football, according to reports.
Arsenal have already held talks with the Brazil international’s representatives to discuss a potential move in the upcoming transfer window.
Jesus is understood to be keen to leave City in order to secure more playing time ahead of Brazil’s campaign in Qatar at the end of this year.
Last week, Jesus’ representative, Marcelo Pettinati, made it clear that the 25-year-old considers a move to Arsenal as a ‘serious possibility’.
‘We had discussions with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus and yes, we like the project,’ Pettinati said.
‘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.’
Arsenal appeared to have been dealt a blow on Monday evening as their 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United has left them fifth in the Premier League with just one game to go.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who host Everton on the final day of the campaign, now need Spurs to lose to Norwich City on Sunday in order to finish fourth.
But according to , even though Arsenal are facing the prospect of no Champions League football next season, Jesus ‘has not completely ruled out’ the idea of a move to the Gunners.
Arsenal are hopeful that Arteta’s relationship with Jesus would be a key factor as they worked closely together at City.
However, speaking after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the Gunners now face a ‘huge problem’ if they miss out on the Champions League.
‘Yes, it is over and I think that’s a massive problem, not just this season,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
‘I think it’s a huge problem for Mikel Arteta and this Arsenal team going forward.
‘Europa League next season, [playing] Thursday-Sunday. They’ve had a big opportunity this season having no European football.
‘That was a big advantage for them. They are not in the best four sides in the country but they had an advantage on the other teams and they still haven’t made it. I do really fear for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta next season, that’s a real bad one tonight.’
, .
, and .
