Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus after a verbal agreement was reached over a £45m deal, according to various reports.
Now it’s down to Arsenal and the player to agree personal terms, although football.london understands talks between the club and Jesus’ representatives have been ongoing for months, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Despite strong relationships and communications already being established, Arsenal were not alone in their chase for Jesus after London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea also reportedly showed interest.
READ MORE: Arsenal deal to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus takes major step forward
However, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta played a key role in securing his services.
“Many clubs tried to jump into the opportunity (to sign him), not only Arsenal, but they have been very good. With Edu – the connection is obvious – but also Mikel Arteta, who wanted him. It’s not signed yet, it’s a verbal agreement.”
Edu knows the player well from his time as technical director and team coordinator with Brazil’s national team, he also has several contacts with Brazilian agents which tends to give him a slight edge in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has already worked with Jesus having been Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at City. The Arsenal boss is understood to have a good relationship with the 25-year-old, who has publicly praised the Spaniard for his work.
“He’s helped a lot of players. When I want to do finishing after training, I tell him and he comes and helps me,” Jesus said. “So he is really fantastic for us. All the players know that – everyone knows that in the club. He is a fantastic guy and fantastic manager.”
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