Arsenal news: Expert issues ‘massive’ Gabriel Jesus claim amid £9.9m update
Noel Whelan has backed Gabriel Jesus to be a “really strong player” for Arsenal as he agrees to the terms of a summer move.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Mikel Arteta’s side are “putting their faith in” the 25-year-old as their rebuild continues.
An Arsenal source told this site on Sunday (5 June) that Jesus has agreed terms of a lucrative long-term contract as the two clubs negotiate a transfer fee.
According to The Sun (4 June), the Gunners offered the striker a basic salary of £190,000-a-week (£9.9million per year) – a significant increase on his current £110,000-a-week Man City pay packet.
The report claims the Citizens will demand £50million for the striker, who is out of contract at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Jesus notched 13 goals and 12 assists over 41 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign.
Whelan suggested the exit of Alexandre Lacazette has opened the door for Arsenal to tie up a move.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’re putting their faith in him, aren’t they?
“He’s always been on their wishlist, and now the exit of Lacazette has freed up even more money.
“They’ve never changed their minds or had any doubts – Jesus was always in their mind as a replacement.
“It’s just another piece in the jigsaw that Arteta has wanted to get, and the board have given him these funds yet again.
“The rebuild is really starting to take shape – we’ve seen a massive improvement in Arsenal.
“He’s going to be a really strong player for Arsenal, I think he suits the style of play massively.”
In other news, pundit claims Oleksandr Zinchenko “would love” to quit Man City and join Arsenal.