Kevin De Bruyne wants Arsenal-linked Gabriel Jesus to stay at Manchester City

Manchester City attacker Kevin De Bruyne is keen for teammate Gabriel Jesus to stay at the Etihad Stadium amid the current speculation surrounding the forward's future.

Jesus has again been a regular for the Citizens during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 13 times and registering 12 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazil international has netted five times in his last two Premier League appearances, while he was on the scoresheet in Man City's 4-3 win over Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

However, there has been a host of speculation surrounding the attacker's future in recent weeks, with Arsenal believed to be determined to sign him this summer.

A recent report claimed that the Gunners had already agreed a £42m deal for the South American, who only has little over 12 months left to run on his contract at Etihad Stadium.

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However, De Bruyne is hopeful that the 25-year-old will remain at the club, as he "makes this team better".

"Since he (Jesus) came here, I've had a good relationship with him, I think we've found each other lots of times," De Bruyne told reporters. "He plays with so much energy, he's always there, he helps the team out.

"I have never any doubts on his quality and he's still so young. I hope he can play many times with me because I think he makes this team better."

Jesus, who has played across the front three for Man City this season, has netted 95 goals and registered 46 assists in 232 appearances for the Citizens since making the move from Palmeiras.

The forward has managed eight goals and nine assists in 25 Premier League fixtures this season, while he has struck four times and registered one assist in seven Champions League appearances, with the Citizens bidding to make the final of the competition at the expense of Real Madrid.

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Jesus has played the full 90 minutes in Man City's last two Premier League matches against Watford and Leeds United, but he has found it difficult to hold down a regular starting role this season, and the expected arrival of Erling Braut Haaland this summer could push him further down the pecking order.

Pep Guardiola's side are now thought to be the clear favourites to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, meaning that the centre-forward spot in the team could be largely closed off next season.

As mentioned, though, Jesus has played as a right-sided and left-sided attacker this season, and he could yet remain at the club to fill one of those areas, as both Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez are being linked with moves away, while Bernardo Silva is still thought to be keen to move to Spain or return to Portugal.

Jesus has won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and two Community Shields since arriving in Manchester, and the club are chasing success in the Premier League and Champions League this term.

Man City's final four league matches of the campaign are against Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Aston Villa.