Report: Arsenal are still optimistic they can sign ‘great player’ this summer for three reasons

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Arsenal remain optimistic over signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer despite looking on course to come fifth.

Unless Norwich beat Tottenham on Sunday, Arsenal will finish fifth and go into next season’s Europa League, which could impact their transfer plans.

That said, the Athletic claim that the Gunners are confident over their summer transfer business and their targets remain unchanged.

Arsenal have been linked with Jesus for a number of weeks now and they need at least one new striker ahead of next season.

Arsenal optimistic over Jesus

The report says: “Arsenal have lost twice in the past week, on both occasions to teams whose fortunes improved as a consequence of the January transfer window.

“The failure to strengthen in mid-season has cost Arsenal dear — and should they fail to make the the Champions League, there will inevitably be implications for their summer transfer plans. The club are still optimistic of landing major targets such as Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.

“They feel that the project, the city and the club make for a sufficiently compelling proposition — but the extent of their dealings will of course be constrained by projected revenues.

“Arteta and technical director Edu will still have access to a substantial budget, but the Champions League money might well have been equated to an additional signing or two. A run into the latter stages of the competition can be worth tens of millions.“

Jesus was recent hailed as ‘great player’ by City teammate Bernardo Silva but he will struggle for gametime at the Etihad Stadium after the arrival of Erling Haaland.

The Brazilian is a versatile, hard-working modern forward who would likely relish being the main man in the Gunners frontline.

It is encouraging that they will feel they can get him without dining at European football’s top table, but we will see how well placed that confidence is in the months ahead.