Arsenal’s hopes of signing Gabriel Jesus have been hit after Manchester City offered the striker to Chelsea.
The Brazilian is Mikel Arteta’s priority target this summer and the Gunners have already laid significant groundwork into signing the City striker.
Arteta has a pre-existing relationship with Jesus having worked with him during his stint at the Etihad and Jesus is open to moving to the Emirates, despite the Gunners’ failure to finish in the top four.
A fee appeared to be the main stumbling block, with Arsenal valuing Jesus at around £10m lower than City’s £50m asking price.
But the Telegraph claim City are attempting to ramp up interest in Jesus and have offered the Brazil international to Chelsea instead.
Thomas Tuchel is determined to sign a new, mobile striker this summer with the club likely to offload Romelu Lukaku less than 12 months after his move to Stamford Bridge.
Jesus would certainly fit the bill but it remains to be seen whether he’d rather a move to Stamford Bridge instead of the Emirates.
Chelsea could likely beat Arsenal when it comes to a transfer fee, while they can offer Jesus Champions League football.
Jesus has 12 months left on his deal at the Etihad and he has reluctantly decided to leave the club following the arrival of Erling Haaland from Dortmund.
MORE : Man Utd star Marcus Rashford responds to Tottenham offer
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
