Why Jesus would be a perfect fit for Arteta

Striker worked with Arsenal boss at City and needs a new start

- Simon Collings

GABRIEL JESUS may have scored four goals at the weekend, but even that cannot guarantee him a place in the Manchester City team tonight.

That is an indication of how fierce the competition is at City and why, with a year left on his contract, he has refused to commit his future to the club.

Pep Guardiola also wants to sign a new centre-forward in the summer. Erling Haaland is his No1 target, and Jesus could leave after five-and-a-half years at the Etihad.

Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the Brazilian. Strengthening their forward line is a major priority for Mikel Arteta and he looks an ideal signing for the Gunners.

Jesus would tick a lot of the boxes for Arteta. Crucially, at 25, he still has his best years ahead of him. He is hungry and has a point to prove after struggling for regular starts at City.

Arsenal specifically targeted young players with room for growth last summer, and the enthusiasm of those signings has spread throughout the squad.