has backed Arsenal’s push to sign Gabriel Jesus from .
Mikel Arteta has made the signing of a new forward one of his top priorities in the summer transfer window after the Gunners failed to replace in January.
Arsenal are also facing the prospect of losing both and Eddie Nketiah, who see their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Arteta missed out on a move for Dusan Vlahovic in January but Arsenal have already pressed ahead with their plans to bolster their attacking options this summer by making a move for Jesus.
Reports last week claimed that Arsenal have held extensive talks with Jesus’ representative .
And Ferdinand believes Jesus would hit the ground running if he was given regular playing time at Arsenal.
‘You speak to players about him, they appreciate him because he puts a good workload in, he has got quality,’ Ferdinand said on .
‘I think if he plays consistently in a team like , I think he gets you goals.
‘By the way, [Eddie] Nketiah at the weekend [against Manchester United] I thought was brilliant. Held up the ball well, brought others into the game.’
Speaking after scoring four goals in City’s 5-1 win over Watford on Saturday, Jesus insisted that he was not distracted by his links with a move to Arsenal.
‘Not time to think about this,’ said Jesus.
‘You expect me to say this and it’s true. Not time to think about this, now is the best moment of the season.
‘I want to enjoy it, keep focussed on my teammates to fight for the Premier League. I’ve won with my teammates three times already so I know how it feels and I want to again.
‘We have a tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid, a tough opponent. That’s my focus.’
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