Arsenal offer telling response to Gabriel Jesus transfer speculation

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal as the Gunners look to bolster their attack ahead of the next Premier League season

Arsenal stopped Brazilian media asking technical director Edu about the club’s interest in Gabriel Jesus, according to reports in the South American country.

The Brazil international has emerged as a target for the Gunners, who face uncertainty over the future of out-of-contract duo Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. The former Palmeiras man scored four goals on Saturday to help City stay top of the Premier League with a victory over Watford, but has suggested now is not the time to respond to speculation.

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu, who has been in his technical director role since 2019, spoke to his country’s media ahead of the London side’s weekend victory over Manchester United. However, it has been suggested that any questions about Jesus were off-limits.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte (via Sport Witness ), Arsenal directly asked ESPN Brasil – with whom Edu spoke on Saturday – not to quiz him on Jesus. They have claimed their actions are particularly revealing when it comes to the Gunners’ interest in the 25-year-old.

Gabriel Jesus’ four goals against Watford took him up to 11 in all competitions for the season. However, with his minutes limited so far, Globo Esporte suggests his involvement in the final weeks of the campaign could yet have a big role in determining whether he stays or goes.

The frontman has often been used in a wide role by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in the league, where he has been averaging a goal or assist every 97 minutes. He may be more concerned by a lack of European action, though, playing just 191 minutes and starting only once, but still scoring three times.

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“Not time to think about this,” said Jesus after City’s win on Saturday. “You expect me to say this and it’s true. Not time to think about this, now is the best moment of the season.

“I want to enjoy it, keep focussed on my teammates to fight for the Premier League. I’ve won with my teammates three times already so I know how it feels and I want to again. We have a tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid, a tough opponent. That’s my focus.”

He is out of contract in 2023, and will be free to speak to potential suitors midway through next season if no extension is agreed. However, Guardiola admitted he wasn’t sure what the future holds.

“I don’t know what is going to happen but he is a Man City player,” the former Bayern Munich boss told reporters after the Watford game. “When he has days like today, I am the happiest man in the world! Every player is happy when they play 90 minutes all the time but at the end of the season whether he wants to extend, stay or leave, I don’t know and I don’t care.”