Gabriel Jesus transfer: Arsenal ‘formal approach’, Tottenham ‘shatter talks’ hint, most likely move

Arsenal and Tottenham are embroiled in a direct battle to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.

The Brazilian has been linked with a potential summer move to the Emirates for some time, but has also emerged as a target for Antonio Conte’s Spurs side.

The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new striker following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette, and look set for a busy summer of recruitment.

Likewise, bitter rivals Spurs are expected to spend big in the coming weeks, and recently completed a deal for reported Arsenal target Yves Bissouma.

But who will win the race for Jesus’ signature?

Here’s all the latest news on the South American’s future...

What’s the latest transfer news involving Gabriel Jesus?

Speculation surrounding Jesus’ potential departure from Man City continues to gather pace.

A recent update from Goal Brazil suggested that Arsenal are the only club to have made a “formal” approach for the player, and claimed that a bid of around £42.9 million had been submitted.

It is understood that Jesus’ plan had been to move to a side who could offer him Champions League football next season, but no such propositions have been forthcoming at this stage, and as such, it is reported that his representatives are applying “pressure” in the hope that City’s talks with the Gunners will reach a “positive outcome”.

For their part, however, Tottenham are said to be looking to “shatter” Arsenal’s negotiations by making a move of their own for the 25-year-old, according to the Mirror.

Spurs could, of course, offer Jesus the Champions League football that he is said to want, while Conte is understood to be impressed by the player’s versatility.

Despite generally being regarded as a centre-forward, the City star spent large parts of last season operating as a winger for Pep Guardiola’s champions.

Indeed, speaking to City Magazine in October, Jesus said: “I feel comfortable out wide and can help my teammates and my team. I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help in defending.

“As I say, I feel comfortable there. I didn’t start to play as a winger just this season.

“I have played with the national team there for two years. I started to play in the first team of Palmeiras as a winger as well and I played sometimes when I arrived here as a winger as well.

“So I think I’m okay there. I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help defend so it’s all good and suits my game.”

What have Jesus’ representatives said on the matter?

Last month, the Brazilian’s agent, Marcelo Pettinati, told the Guardian: “We had talks with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus.

“We like the project - it’s a possibility we’re discussing.”

Even several weeks ago, however, Pettinati also reiterated the number of potential suitors eager to strike a deal for his client.

He said: “There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel. He’s focused on the final games with Man City; we’ll see.”

Whether Tottenham were among the six clubs pursuing Jesus at that stage is unclear.

Who are favourites to land Jesus?

At the time of writing, Arsenal are strong favourites to sign the Brazilian at a price of 1/5.

By contrast, Tottenham come in at a lengthy 12/1, and actually trail Chelsea, who are priced at 9/2.