Manchester City 'ready to accept £43m for Gabriel Jesus'

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to accept offers of £43m for Gabriel Jesus this summer.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a hugely successful six-year period at the Etihad Stadium, 95 goals being scored for the Premier League giants in all competitions.

However, the 25-year-old was restricted to just 24 starts in England's top flight and the Champions League during 2021-22, a further 12 outings coming from the substitutes' bench.

Jesus is now on the brink of entering the final 12 months of his contract, a scenario which has naturally led to widespread interest in his signature.

Furthermore, City have already secured the signings of Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez ahead of next season, a double addition which will push Jesus further down the pecking order.

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According to Marca and Cadena Ser journalist Anton Meana, City officials are willing to part ways with the long-serving forward for £43m.

While any admirers of the player will naturally attempt to drive down that fee, it is a valuation which will only tempt some of European football's biggest clubs to make a formal bid.

Arsenal have emerged as Jesus's most likely destination in recent weeks, the suggestion being that personal terms have already been agreed with the relevant parties.

The Gunners are in the market for a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, and head coach Mikel Arteta can offer Jesus the first-team football that he has not always received at the Etihad Stadium.

As well as interest from North London, it is claimed that Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation now that they have missed out on Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe.

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Although Los Blancos are currently in the process of wrapping up the big-money signing of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, club officials intend to bring in competition for positions in the final third.

One potential stumbling block is Jesus potentially only being used on a rotational basis at the Santiago Bernabeu with Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema untouchable in their respective roles.

A previous report has claimed that Atletico Madrid are also in the running, but much will depend on how they reshape other areas of their squad after a disappointing season.

While Chelsea may also consider Jesus as a potential addition in attack, City are unlikely to sell to a club who could challenge them for the Premier League title.