Arsenal transfer news: Is Gabriel Jesus the perfect Alexandre Lacazette replacement?

The Brazilian is a wanted man 

The agent of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he has already spoken to Arsenal about a summer move and that the player could be tempted by a move to London in the coming months. However, the Gunners are just one of seven clubs interested in the Brazil international at this moment in time. 

Jesus has been a regular first team player in Pep Guardiola’s squad since he made the £28.8 million move to Man City from Palmeiras in 2017, but the forward has never been able to nail down a regular, starting role in the English champions’ starting XI. He now has just over a year left on his current deal at the club and is valued at £45 million. 

The agent of Gabriel Jesus has revealed that they have held talks with Arsenal and that he “likes the project”

Will the Gunners make a move for the Brazilian forward this summer? pic.twitter.com/G11lF42DVU

— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) May 12, 2022

The recent confirmation of Man City’s signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has undoubtedly now threatened Jesus’ standing at the club and hope of game time next season, which has prompted the player’s agent to openly discuss a move away from the club in the summer transfer window. And it seems as though Arsenal may be at the front of the queue. 

“We had talks with Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus,” said Jesus’ agent, Marcelo Pettinati, according to the Guardian. “We like the project – it’s a possibility we’re discussing. There are six more clubs interested in Gabriel. He’s focused on the final games with Man City; we’ll see.” So could Jesus be about to swap Manchester for London?

Available and willing – but is he a smart Lacazette replacement? 

Although Jesus has never been a regular starter at Man City, the player has managed to put together a decent record at the Etihad over the past five years as a consistent creator and scorer of goals. From no less than 234 games for the club, the Brazilian forward has picked up an impressive 95 goals and 46 assists. And in the Premier League that figure stands at 58 goals and 32 assists in 157 appearances. 

It’s with that record in mind that Arsenal would surely be tempted to make a move for the forward. Especially considering the fact that they are set to lose their own No.9 in Alexandre Lacazette, when his contract with the club expires at the end of the season. And in many ways Jesus would be an upgrade on the French striker. 

For example, Lacazette’s record in the Premier League stands at 54 goals and 30 assists in 155 games and averages out at 0.74 goals and assists per 90 minutes. In comparison, Jesus’ average in the English top flight works out at 0.89 goals and assists per 90. Which is extremely encouraging since the Brazilian is still five years younger than the Arsenal striker. And would likely be an excellent, long-term replacement. 

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