Gabriel Jesus showed he’s still got it in 21-minute Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal cameo, Everton should take note
Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, with Everton among the clubs reportedly keeping tabs ahead of a potential summer move.
The 29-year-old has been largely out of the team since returning from an ACL injury in December, but he was brought off the bench as the Gunners drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The Premier League leaders have given themselves a great chance to progress to the Champions League final next week, after Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez’s penalties cancelled each other out.
Arsenal looked to have a chance to win it in the final stages when Eberechi Eze was brought down, but Danny Makkelie was sent to the screen and controversially overturned his decision.
Everton transfer chiefs are said to be watching Jesus ahead of the summer, and they would have liked what they saw on Wednesday.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBGabriel Jesus impresses off the bench vs Atletico Madrid
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Arsenal will sell Ben White and Jesus this summer as they attempt to recoup funds.
The forward has just one year remaining on his contract and can not be expected to attract a sizable fee after scoring just five goals across all competitions this season.
| Gabriel Jesus | Stats vs Atletico Madrid (A) |
| Minutes played | 21 |
| Accurate passes | 6/8 |
| Successful dribbles | 2/4 |
| Duels won | 4/7 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
His wages are reportedly considerable, however, and Everton will likely attempt to agree a slight pay cut if they are to approach the Brazilian.
But Wednesday’s game certainly showed that Jesus still has the ability to play at the top level.
The forward was brought off the bench with 21 minutes to go, and was tasked with entering an atmosphere that had become incredibly fierce following Atleti’s equaliser.
The 29-year-old brought calm and movement in attack, with Arsenal getting back on top of the occasion within minutes of his introduction.
Jesus completed two successful dribbles, won a free kick and several duels during his short time on the pitch, and Everton surely would have been impressed with the Brazilian’s impact.
Ben White struggles vs Atleti
White is another reported target for Everton this summer, but the defender found it more difficult against Atleti.
The 28-year-old won just two of his duels and was dribbled past once, with energetic forward Ademola Lookman afforded several big moments.
It was White’s handball that led to Atleti’s penalty, although there was little the England international could have done to stop it, with the ball bouncing off his shin before striking his hand.
If this were a game Everton were watching for both White and Jesus, they may well have come away with differing opinions on their summer targets.
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