Gabriel Jesus told to not join Arsenal amid Gabriel Magalhaes’ transfer admission

Former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James has urged Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

The north Londoners are interested in signing Jesus, football.london understands and technical director Edu has held talks with the player’s representatives in recent months. Gunners defender and fellow Brazilian international Gabriel Magalhaes has even admitted that he would love to play alongside his countryman at club level.

“We play in the same dressing room, but nothing is certain,” Gabriel said during a press conference on Sunday. “He is certainly a quality player and, if he goes to Arsenal, he will help us a lot.”

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However, former City shot-stopper James does not share the defender’s sentiment, telling Jesus to stay with Pep Guardiola’s side for the foreseeable future. Speaking to Genting Casino, via The Metro, he said: “If you look at Man City players’ appearances this season, Bernardo Silva and Rodri have played 30-plus Premier League games.

“But all the players in that attacking line-up have played around 25 games, so they’re not playing every week. Pep’s (Guardiola) rotation has worked perfectly in the sense that they won the Premier League again.

“I’d imagine Haaland would fit into that mould, he’s not going to play every game. Also with his injuries there are question marks over whether he is physically capable of playing all the games.

“Jesus will have a shared role if he stays at Man City. They aren’t going to buy Haaland and start him every game, so there is still room for Jesus.

“Why would he want to leave? You’ve at the best team in England over the past five years, so would he risk it by moving somewhere else to Arsenal, who aren’t even in the Champions League?

“Or would he rather stay at Man City and try to get the Holy Grail, which is the Champions League?”