Arsenal agree deal for Man City striker Jesus

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Arsenal appear to be on the verge of signing Gabriel Jesus, with the Gunners reportedly having agreed a fee with Manchester City for the striker.

The Gunners are short up front after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona in February and Alexandre Lacazette about to depart as his contract expires, Jesus could fill a void up front – where Eddie Nketiah is the only senior centre forward for next season as matters stand.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs have reached a “full verbal agreement” over a £45-million deal for the Brazilian.

Reports suggest things will now move quickly and the Brazilians will have sign in time for Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA, where they will face Everton, Orlando City and London rivals Chelsea.

Jesus always seemed likely to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, with the arrival of Erling Haaland only increasing competition for places up front.

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The 25-year-old has left his mark at City, though, scoring 95 goals in 237 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side since joining from Palmeiras five years ago (and collecting just the four Premier League winners’ medals).

He has previously worked under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who spent two-and-a-half years as Guardiola’s No 2.

However, doubts have been cast about whether Jesus really is the answer to Arsenal’s striking need.

Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this week, South American football expert Tim Vickery said:

“Gabriel Jesus, does he lack penalty area presence? There are many things that he does very well, but he does seem to prefer cutting in from wide.

“Where is he going to fit in? This must be clear if you’re going to spend money on him.

“What is he? Does he want to play as a No 9, or does he want to play as a wide striker? He has kind of run away from being a centre forward.”

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Dean Workman