Arsenal have reportedly made 'new direct contact' with Gabriel Jesus to discuss a move for the Manchester City attacker during this summer's transfer window.
The 25-year-old has again been a regular for the Citizens during the 2021-22 campaign, making 39 appearances in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists in the process.
Jesus's recent Premier League form has been impressive, scoring six goals and registering one assist in his last five outings, while he netted against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Brazil international only has little over 12 months left to run on his contract at Etihad Stadium, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
Arsenal are believed to be determined to sign the forward, as they could potentially lose both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette on free transfers at the end of June.
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According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have placed the South American at the 'top of their list' after making 'new direct contact' with the attacker.
However, Romano has denied that there has been any direct contact between the two clubs amid suggestions that a transfer fee, believed to be in the region of £42m, had already been agreed.
The journalist claims that Erling Braut Haaland's arrival in Manchester will likely see Jesus move on in search of regular action, as he would be pushed down the pecking order with the Norway international's switch from Borussia Dortmund now being confirmed by the club.
Man City have held off competition from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid to secure a deal for Haaland, who had a £51.2m release clause in his contract in Germany.
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Jesus has scored 95 goals and registered 46 assists in 234 appearances for Man City since making the move to the Premier League champions from Palmeiras in January 2017.
The Brazilian has again been an important player for Pep Guardiola's side this term, starting 19 times in the Premier League, but the club's decision to sign a high-profile centre-forward this summer could make it difficult for him to secure regular starts next term.
Much of Arsenal's summer transfer business is likely to depend on whether they qualify for next season's Champions League, with the club currently battling bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur for fourth.
Mikel Arteta's side are currently fourth in the table, four points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, ahead of Thursday's huge North London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Gunners, who have been victorious in their last four matches in England's top flight, will then take on Newcastle United and Everton in their final two matches of the campaign.
Matt Law
