Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a potential transfer dilemma with Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing attacking talisman Gabriel Jesus next summer, who only joined the club four months ago. The striker would just be 12 months into his five-year deal at the Emirates leaving the Gunners’ with a tough task to find a replacement who can match his quality.
Jesus has been on excellent form for Arsenal since signing from Manchester City over the summer. The Brazilian has been at the heart of the club’s best-attacking play this season, becoming an integral part of the team as they sit top of the Premier League table after 12 matches. He has scored five goals and created a further seven in 16 appearances in all competitions, underlining his importance to Arteta.
The Gunners had to overcome competition from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid for his signature - but could now face another challenge from the Champions League winners for their talisman. Goal reports that Los Blancos see Jesus as a long-term successor for Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema with Carlo Ancelotti placing the player on a five-man shortlist for transfer targets.
The La Liga giants reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Jesus over the summer after concerns were raised over his passport. They were only seeking an understudy to Benzema at the time so may now be less put off as they start the search for his successor.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may need to fend off Real Madrid's interest in Gabriel Jesus. (Image: GETTY)
The goals have dried up for Jesus in recent matches with his failure to score in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest this weekend taking his barren spell to seven matches. He was still an important part of the victory however, knitting things together in attacking areas and set up his team’s third and fifth goals.
Madrid may face a difficult task in convincing Jesus to leave the Emirates as he has already talked up the bond that he feels with the club’s supporters.
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is reportedly interesting Real Madrid. (Image: GETTY)
“In the first days when I signed here I went to a Brazilian restaurant. I was waiting in my car outside, and a lot of Arsenal fans came to say welcome to the club,” he told BT Sport earlier this month. "It is different at Manchester City of course. City have had a lot of impact in the last 10, 15 years. Arsenal before that had a lot. It’s different, you know.
"I feel that welcome, the way they come to talk to me. They are supporting you to the end. I was happy with the fans at City as well, but it’s different."
It remains to be seen if Real will go after Jesus again after pulling out of the race for his signature but it will be one of Arteta to monitor as he continues his exciting project at the Emirates.
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