Arsenal are on the verge of losing out to summer target Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian striker has been offered to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
After Erling Haaland joined Pep Guardiola’s team last month, the Brazilian was linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer.
Arsenal has been extensively linked with a trade, but Mikel Arteta may find himself worrying about the striker’s future as both Real Madrid clubs have emerged as potential suitors.
According to Cadena Ser journalist Anton Meana, the 25-year-old has been offered to both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, with the player seeking €5 million (£4.3 million) per year after taxes.
The news is a setback for Arsenal, who were thought to have put Jesus at the top of their summer wish-list after parting ways with both forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette this season.
During his time as assistant boss at the Etihad, Arteta is said to have had a good working connection with the 25-year-old, and both parties were apparently interested in a deal.
Arsenal have already started preliminary conversations with his agent, Marcelo Pettinati, but are now concerned about LaLiga giants’ prospective interest.
Following rumors of interest from clubs in Spain and Italy, the North London club reportedly increased their salary offer to £190,000 per week plus bonuses in an attempt to entice the striker.
He’d earn a lot more money than he did at Manchester City, where he was paid £110,000 a week.
Real and Atletico, on the other hand, can provide Jesus Champions League football, whereas Arsenal lost out on the top four and will only play in the Europa League.
The Gunners, on the other hand, may be able to entice Jesus to the Emirates with the promise of a regular first-team slot as the primary striker, a position he has become accustomed to sharing under Guardiola.
Last season, Jesus only appeared in 28 Premier League games for Manchester City, his lowest number in a whole season since joining the club for £28 million.
