Arsenal preparing opening bid for Man City star valued at £50 million

Arsenal are preparing to make their opening bid for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, according to reports. 

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a departure from The Etihad since the news broke of Erling Braut Haaland’s imminent arrival, and Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners for his signature.

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners will soon make their first offer for the 25-year-old, who is valued by his current club at around £45 million.

The player’s agent Marcelo Pettinati recently revealed that Jesus has been in discussions with the London side, and it seems a move could be edging closer with an offer imminent.

Jesus arrived in Manchester in 2017, and has since scored 95 goals in 234 games for the Citizens, despite acting as deputy to Sergio Aguero for much of his time at the club.

Jesus has scored 13 goals in all competitions this term

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be in the market for at least one striker this summer as both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are expected to depart the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also left in January, and Mikel Arteta didn’t sign a replacement.

It is believed that City would prefer to keep Jesus beyond this summer, but they will not stand in the way of the player if he does choose to leave.

This summer the striker will enter into the final 12 months of his contract, meaning that the upcoming window may be City’s last chance to cash in on the player rather than losing him for free in a year.