Arsenal step up Gabriel Jesus pursuit after completing Fabio Viera transfer

Arsenal have reportedly had an opening bid for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus rejected but remain confident of agreeing a deal and will step up their pursuit in the coming days.

The Gunners have begun their transfer dealings this summer with the imminent arrival of FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira expected to be confirmed by the club this week. The Portuguese club confirmed Arsenal reached an agreement for the transfer of Vieira in a deal worth around £35million.

football.london understands that Gabriel Jesus is a priority transfer target this summer with technical director Edu holding positive talks with the player’s camp in the last six months. Jesus is set to leave the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season after the arrival of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, with the Brazilian potentially set to reunite with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Who is Fabio Vieira? The £34m-rated starlet who is ‘flying to London’ to agree Arsenal transfer

According to GOAL, Arsenal’s opening bid in the region of £30million has been rejected by City. The Gunners remain confident of securing a deal for the 25-year-old and are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days as the club accelerate their plans to bring Jesus to the Emirates Stadium.

Jesus has just one year left on his current deal in Manchester, but City value the Brazilian closer to £50million given the striker’s age and the fact he is yet to reach his potential. Negotiations are set to continue and there is growing belief that a compromise can be reached between all parties.

Arsenal began the summer transfer window with the signing of Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, with the arrival of Vieira from Porto imminent. The Gunners are lining up moves for both Jesus and Youri Tielemans as they look to strengthen the squad in key areas ahead of next season.

The Brazilian striker wishes to have his future sorted as quickly as possible, and given the lack of first team opportunities available at City and Arsenal’s lack of strikers, a deal for Jesus to move to North London looks like a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.