Gabriel Jesus makes Arsenal transfer statement vs Real Madrid

Arsenal are a club that like to keep their business under wraps when possible, although there has been no escaping the flood of rumours circling around their interest in Gabriel Jesus.

Initial speculation emerged from Brazilian journalists and now the story is all over the UK press. Technical director Edu has been in discussions over the past few months with Jesus’ representatives – some say as far back as November – with reports that near enough all of that side of the proposed deal is wrapped up.

Next will be discussions between the clubs over a fee, with Manchester City said to be aiming to recoup around £25m for the recently turned 25-year-old. He will have just one year left to run on his deal at the end of the season.

Any deal is far from concluded, though, even if Arsenal have positioned themselves well for the summer transfer window and are certainly front of the pack for when it does open. Yet, a player who has been in heavy rotation for much of his Manchester City career, Jesus isn’t going without a fight.

Gabriel Jesus makes Arsenal transfer statement as Manchester City beat Real Madrid 4-3 in crazy Champions League semi-final first leg

Getting a rare start against Liverpool earlier in April he returned the faith with a goal in the 2-2 draw, and then on his next Premier League start, two games later after injury, he bagged himself four against Watford. As soon as links to Arsenal emerge he comes alive.

Following that up with a start in the No. 9 position – which is even rarer – against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, he chipped in with a well-taken goal after shrugging David Alaba off the ball in the 11th minute.

Overall it was an excellent display from the Brazilian. He worked tirelessly for the team, was heavily involved in their counter-attacking moments, and completely disrupted Real Madrid’s sequences out from the back with clever positioning. It was the level of performance that makes you think ‘why are Man City selling him?’

When there is Erling Haaland floating around it’s understandable, although the drive and determination from Jesus is something money can’t buy. With Arsenal eyes among those from across the world watching him, he’s made a real statement over the last two games.

One sniff of a move away and it’s five goals in two matches.

Arsenal’s interest is very apparent, and Jesus will know all about it. Equally, he’ll also have a preference to be staying at Manchester City and starting every week for them. There is no point in hiding from that fact: if a new contract was offered with regular minutes assured then he would stay. Simple as that.

City may have already made their mind up, irrespective of these statements of his talent, in which case he’s doing them an almighty favour by attracting more attention – perhaps even giving his asking price a healthy boost.

In any case, he isn’t making life easy for the selling club, nor is he giving the hopeful buying club a simple transaction to make. On one side he’s reminding his employers what they’re going to miss, all the while showing potential suitors what they could be about to inherit.

But, from his side, he’s playing just his football, scoring goals, and appears to be having fun while doing it.