If reports are true, Arsenal could be on verge of landing striker deemed 'the best in the world' - TBR View

By Giuseppe Labellarte

To say Arsenal need to bolster their attacking ranks this summer would be a huge understatement.

The Gunners have just two senior centre-forwards playing for them right now.

Also, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract in the summer.

But over the last few days, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding Arsenal and Gabriel Jesus.

Recent reports claimed that the Gunners had reached advanced talks with the Manchester City star.

“Pretty much done and dusted”

David Ornstein told The Athletic Football Podcast that Arsenal have all-but agreed personal terms with Jesus.

He also notes the Gunners are favourites to secure his signature, though it’s not quite at the club discussion stage.

“I understand that they have been talking for a number of months about this possibility,” he said.

“To the extent that that part of negotiations from what I hear is pretty much done and dusted.

“But there has been no contact, to my knowledge, so far between the clubs.

“So that’s obviously a significant step that would need to be taken.”

This report certainly seems to have legs, and Arsenal fans should be excited about the prospect of landing the Brazilian.

He’s not an unrealistic transfer target. If Man City sign Erling Braut Haaland, it would push Jesus down the pecking order.

Jesus’ contract expires in the summer of 2023, so this is the last chance City have of getting a decent sum for him.

If they leave it until next year, he could leave for very little in January, or for nothing in the summer.

In addition, Jesus is a world-class player in the peak of his career and has considerable Premier League experience.

He scored a staggering four goals against Watford last weekend and also netted against Real Madrid in midweek.

“Thanks to him we can stay high and be so aggressive”

And Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Jesus.

In February, he said the forward is the best in the world in one particular aspect.

“He is a centre-forward, he can play there,” the City boss told the club’s media team.

“It is true that lately he played more out wide, where he felt comfortable, with his body shape more open. He can play in the three positions up front.

“And when we need runners and players that help a lot with our high intensity and high pressing, he is the best in the world. Thanks to him we can stay high and be so aggressive.

“He and Phil, when they play in that position they help us get extra rhythm for our midfield players and our back four can stay high for a long time.

“He is a young player who has been decisive in these years. Gabriel helped us a lot in many things and now he will be a father, so it is perfect.”

More recently, he said: “In this world of football, if there’s one person, one player who deserves the best in life, it’s Gabriel.”