Real Madrid spot major problem in signing Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus | Soccer

The Brazil international is set to leave the Premier League champions this summer and wants to join a club where he is likely to be a guaranteed starter.

Jesus played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero for most of his City career, operating as a right winger rather than his preferred central role under Pep Guardiola.

Despite a lack of Champions League football, Arsenal are in pole position to sign the 25-year-old, with City valuing the player at around £50million.

Guardiola is keen to keep Jesus but won’t stand in the striker’s way should he want to leave, especially with Erling Haaland’s impending arrival.

Jesus is keen to stay in England and would be keen to reunite with Mikel Arteta, who served as Guardiola’s assistant at City for two and a half years.

However, Real have indicated their interest in Jesus this week and while the forward is keen to hear their proposal, they are unlikely to allow his arrival until January at the earliest.

The Champions League holders already have Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo on their books and Jesus doesn’t meet the passport requirements. although he arrived in England five years ago.

Real had hoped Vinicius would qualify for a Spanish passport but due to Covid he won’t be eligible to play until the new year.

This puts Arsenal in pole position to sign one of Arteta’s key transfer targets and they hope to strike a deal once Jesus fulfills his international commitments to Brazil.

After scoring in Brazil’s 5-1 win over South Korea last week, Jesus hinted that a decision could be imminent.

“I want to see what’s best for me and most importantly for my career. From Tuesday we will see what is best.”

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