Man City star’s future in serious doubt after news of incoming Haaland

The news of Erling Braut Haaland agreeing terms with Manchester City may have left the club’s Premier League rivals in fear, but it appears it has also had an impact inside Pep Guardiola’s squad. 

Last week, news broke that the Norwegian had agreed terms to join City for around £500,000-per-week, and become the league’s highest paid player in doing so.

City will reportedly take advantage of the Borussia Dortmund star’s release clause, thought to be around £68 million, that becomes active this summer.

While City fans have rejoiced in the news of Haaland’s imminent arrival, it appears that the signing has had implications within the current Citizens squad.

As per The Guardian, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has refused to commit his future to City beyond the end of the season.

The 25-year-old scored four goals in City’s 5-1 thrashing of Watford on Saturday, to take his goal tally to the club to 93.

The report claims that the player is fully focussed on City’s current title challenge, and is refusing to be drawn on whether or not he will remain in Manchester beyond the summer.

“It’s not time to think about this,” he said, when asked whether or not he would stay and challenge for a starting spot up front.

“You expect me to say this, but it’s true.

“This is no time to think about this. Now is the best moment of the season. I want to enjoy, to keep focused on my team, with my teammates, to fight for the Premier League.

Jesus scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Watford on Saturday

“I won it with my teammates three times. And I know how that feels and I want to have that feeling again.

“And then of course we also have the tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid [in the Champions League] and that is my focus.”

Jesus was also asked about his desire to play more often, and he claimed that City’s abundance of talent meant some players had to miss out.

“It’s not just me, it’s [all] the players. If you ask, everyone’s going to say ‘I want to play’ and the season that I arrived here I played a lot.

“I know what I expect of course but I know we have very good players who can play every game as well and sometimes it’s not just me, it’s Riyad [Mahrez], sometimes Raz [Sterling], and [Jack] Grealish arrives this season and sees how it is here.

“We have a lot of good strikers, wingers and forwards.”

Jesus has been heavily linked with a move away since the news of Haaland’s arrival broke, and Arsenal have emerged as surprise contenders for the Brazil international’s signature.

Despite being City’s only recognised striker, Jesus has primarily been utilised on the right side of a front three this term.

The Brazilian has scored 11 goals in all competitions so far this term.