Arsenal Finally Close to Completing Signing of Man City Striker

• Arsenal have emerged as strong favourites to sign Man City striker Gabriel Jesus this summer
• The Gunners' failure to qualify for the Champions League had threatened to scupper their hopes of signing the Brazilian
• However, Jesus' desire to work with Mikel Arteta and craving for first-team action could see him move to the Emirates
• Chelsea and Real Madrid had been linked with a move for Jesus but Arsenal appear to have shaken off the competition

Arsenal are reportedly now close to completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Gunners are desperate to sign a prolific striker this summer to take the place of Alexander Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who have left the club in recent times.

Mikel Arteta is understood to have shortlisted Jesus as a top summer target, with the Brazilian also keen to depart the Etihad in search of regular football.

Blow to Arsenal as Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is offered to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal ready to meet Man City's valuation of Gabriel Jesus

According to Metro UK, City were demanding £50m for the Brazil international, a valuation Arsenal were said to be unwilling to meet.

However, the north Londoners are said to be willing to offer the reigning champions just below that valuation and are already closing in on a deal.

The Times claims Jesus will become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer as Mikel Arteta pushes to strengthen his squad in preparation for next season.

The north Londoners had feared they could miss out on Jesus, particularly after their failure to land Champions League football.

However, the Brazilian forward is said to have shown a desire to work with Arteta again having worked together at City when the Arsenal boss was Guardiola's assistant.

Arsenal to curtain-raise 2022/23 Premier League season

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal are scheduled to curtain-raise the 2022/23 Premier League season with an away trip to Crystal Palace.

Chelsea join Man United in race to sign highly rated Juventus star

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Fortunately for the Gunners, they will not play any of the traditional big six teams in the opening fixtures of the campaign.

However, October will be a defining moment for Mikel Arteta's men with tricky fixtures in Tottenham, Liverpool, and Man City on the cards.