Chelsea have entered the race to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and are ‘very interested’ in beating Arsenal to the Brazilian’s signature.
Thomas Tuchel has made signing a new striker his number one priority this summer, with the club expected to part with Romelu Lukaku just 12 months after his return to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had been interested in signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski but the Pole is intent on joining Barcelona if he gets his wish of leaving the Allianz Arena.
Chelsea have therefore cast their net further afield and AS claim they are now targeting a move for Jesus.
The Brazilian is set to leave the Etihad this summer, with City seeking around £45m for the striker.
Jesus has 12 months remaining on his contract at City and he’s decided to leave in the search for first-team football, which will only prove more difficult now following the arrival of Erling Haaland.
Arsenal had been leading the race for Jesus, particularly as Mikel Arteta has an existing relationship with the Brazilian following his stint in the north-west.
But Chelsea would provide Jesus the chance to play Champions League football and a greater guarantee of fighting for silverware, given Arsenal remain in transition with Arteta.
Todd Boehly’s consortium want to make a statement signing in their first summer in charge of the club and Jesus would be seen as such.
Pep Guardiola is reluctant to let the Brazilian leave but he’s understanding of his desire to play more regularly.
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