Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign forward Gabriel Jesus for £45m this summer.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta identifying the Brazil international as his primary target to replace Alexandre Lacazette.
London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Jesus, but both The Athletic and Sky Sports News are claiming that Arsenal are now one step closer to recruiting the forward this summer.
Both reports add that the Gunners have agreed a £45m fee with Man City, although a number of other elements of the deal, including personal terms and the organisation of a medical, are yet to be finalised.
A previous report has claimed that Jesus – who has recorded 95 goals and 46 assists in 236 appearanced for the Citizens – could earn in the region of £220,000 per week if he were to complete his switch to the Emirates.
For some time, Jesus has seemingly been the most likely candidate to leave the Etihad Stadium following the arrivals of Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez, and the fact that his contract is due to expire in June 2023 has also raised question marks over his long-term future at the club.
Jesus is set to become Arsenal's third signing of the summer window after Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos, while Leeds United's Raphinha could become their fourth, with the Gunners allegedly planning to make an improved offer for the winger.
While Jesus is closing in on a move to Arsenal, Man City have reportedly reached an agreement with Leeds to sign midfielder Kalvin Phillips for an initial £42m.
Oliver Thomas
