Arsenal may have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Gabriel Jesus as the Manchester City forward has been offered to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, according to reports....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Brazilian had been linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer after Erling Haaland signed for Pep Guardiola’s side last month.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move but Mikel Arteta may be left sweating over the chase for the striker after both Madrid sides are said to have emerged as potential competition for his signature.
Cadena Ser journalist Anton Meana reported that the 25-year-old has been offered to both Atletico and Real with the player demanding €5million (£4.3m) after tax per year.
The news comes as a blow to the Gunners, who were said to have placed Jesus firmly at the top of their summer wish list having waved goodbye to both strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette this year.
Arteta is believed to have held an excellent working relationship with the 25-year-old during his time as assistant boss at the Etihad and both parties were reportedly keen on a deal.
Arsenal have already held initial talks with his agent Marcelo Pettinati but are now left sweating over potential rival interest from the LaLiga giants.
Previous reports of interest from clubs in Spain and Italy had reportedly led to the North London side stepping up their salary package to £190,000 per week plus bonuses in a bid to coax the striker.
The deal would see him earn a significant increase on his £110,00-a-week wage at Manchester City.
However, both Real and Atletico can offer Jesus the attraction of Champions League football, while Arsenal missed out on top four meaning they will only play in the Europa League.
But the Gunners could lure Jesus to the Emirates with the prospect of a regular first-team spot as the central striker at the Emirates – a role he has become accustomed to sharing under Guardiola.
Jesus only featured in 28 Premier League matches for City last campaign, his lowest total in a full season since arriving in Manchester for £28million.
