Arsenal star could leave next summer after just 12 months in London

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table on Sunday after a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at The Emirates. 

Gabriel Martinelli put The Gunners ahead early on, before a second-half brace from Reiss Nelson put the hosts in a commanding position.

Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard then also netted to give Mikel Arteta’s side an emphatic victory and move them back to the summit.

Gabriel Jesus was once again impressive for The Gunners, setting up goals for both Nelson and Odegaard, but it now appears that Arsenal may face a battle to keep hold of the Brazilian.

According to Goal via The Sun, Spanish giants Real Madrid are considering making a move for the forward next summer.

Jesus, 25, only joined Arsenal from Manchester City over the summer, but Real were reportedly interested in the player prior to his move to the capital.

It is suggested that the Champions League holders decided against pursuing a deal for Jesus because of an ‘issue with the player’s passport’.

The Brazil international cost Arsenal around £47 million when he completed his switch from Manchester to London.

Jesus remains a target for Real Madrid

Now, though, they could revive their interest and aim to sign him next summer, with boss Carlo Ancelotti still a huge admirer of the striker.

Jesus has so far scored five goals and registered seven assists for Arsenal, with his fine form helping to propel Arteta’s side to the top of the table.

Madrid currently have Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or last week, as their prime forward but Jesus is believed to be being considered as a possible replacement for the Frenchman, who turns 35 in December.

Ancelotti has compiled a five-man shortlist of targets for next summer, which also included Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, as well as Enzo Fernandez and Piero Hincapie.

Jesus’ current contract with Arsenal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027, which means that Arsenal would be under very little pressure to sell next summer.

Next up for Arsenal is a home match against FC Zurich in the Europa League, before a trip across London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.