Report: London rivals reach big-money agreement to sign Chelsea target

Transfer news: Arsenal have reached agreement to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City

David Ornstein of The Athletic (Subscription Required) claims that Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus by beating Chelsea to his signature. The fee is said to be in the region of £45million.

Jesus was the Gunners’ top transfer priority this summer and they have beaten London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham to his signature. Some elements are yet to be finalised, but it seems Jesus will head to the Emirates.

The Brazilian forward was tipped to leave City after not being a first-choice player for coach Pep Guardiola. He could be reunited with Mikel Arteta, with whom he worked between 2016-2019.

He enjoyed a pretty decent form in the league last season, scoring 8 goals and assisting 9 in 28 appearances for the Cityzens and also scored against Real Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final in the UEFA Champions League.

Slipped through the fingers for the Blues?

Chelsea are undergoing a squad overhaul under new ownership, with coach Thomas Tuchel in charge of things. The Blues are yet to make a signing this season but have lost a number of players.

Romelu Lukaku is close to sealing a loan move back to Inter Milan after a disappointing season at the Bridge. Meanwhile, Hakim Ziyech could also be on his way out, having failed to replicate his Ajax form which secured his signature for Chelsea.

Other forwards such as Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz, and Callum Hudson-Odoi- all of them were disappointing in front of the goal last season. The Blues could really use a striker up front and Jesus, a tried and tested player in the PL, could have been an ideal fit.

Tuchel would be very disappointed, having failed to secure the Brazilian’s signature. His versatility to play in the wings apart from the number 9 position is something the Blues could have used. Not to mention his experience in the Premier League would make him stand out from other contenders.

More Chelsea News

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Fans will be hoping that Tuchel will bring someone better to compensate for losing to their rivals. It remains to be seen who all arrive at the Bridge, but till now it has been very disappointing from Chelsea in the summer transfer window when it comes to incomings.