Arsenal have reportedly completed a deal to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have prioritised the signing of a new striker in the summer window following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Eddie Nketiah ended the 2021-22 season strongly with five goals in his last seven Premier League games and was rewarded with a new long-term contract for his efforts.
However, the Gunners were expected to pursue a new number nine regardless of Nketiah's contract decision, and Jesus has been the club's leading target for the past few weeks.
Last week, reports emerged of a £45m deal being agreed between the two clubs, with Man City still driving a hard bargain in spite of the fact that Jesus would become a free agent in 2023.
© Reuters
Jesus's switch to the Emirates is seemingly nearing completion, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal is now "100% done" after an agreement on personal terms.
The 25-year-old can supposedly expect to earn approximately £220,000 per week in North London, which would see him surpass Thomas Partey as the club's highest-paid player.
Jesus is understood to have committed himself to a five-year contract in North London, and both Arteta and Edu are said to have been integral in getting a deal for the Brazil international over the line.
City boss Pep Guardiola was open to keeping Jesus on the books at the Etihad, but the former Palmeiras starlet would have faced greater competition from Julian Alvarez and Erling Braut Haaland next season.
Jesus therefore ends his stint with the Premier League champions after scoring 95 goals and setting up 46 more in 236 appearances during a five-and-a-half year stay.
Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, here we go! Personal terms fully agreed with his agent Marcelo Pettinati and his two partners. Gabriel signs until 2027, it's 100% done. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2022
Arsenal already agreed £45m fee with Man City as revealed on Friday.
Edu & Arteta, key for the deal. pic.twitter.com/06dTVNNLmM
The South American contributed eight goals and nine assists in 28 Premier League games last season, racking up 13 strikes and 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions in total.
Jesus has won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, one FA Cup and two Community Shields during his time in Manchester, and the striker could supposedly be announced as an Arsenal player as early as Monday.
Arsenal have already confirmed two new arrivals ahead of the 2022-23 season, including Jesus's compatriot Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, while Fabio Vieira has also joined from Porto.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner is yet to be unveiled but will officially join the club in the coming weeks, and the Gunners are now expected to intensify their efforts to sign £65m-rated Leeds United attacker Raphinha.
Interest in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has cooled while Arsenal focus on their Brazilian attacking targets, but the Gunners could reignite their pursuit of the Belgian later in the window.
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is rumoured to be the club's top defensive target should Nuno Tavares leave the club either permanently or on loan, with the left-back being linked with Atalanta BC, Marseille and Real Sociedad.
Ben Knapton
