Mikel Arteta is understood to be “angry” with Arsenal’s indecision in the transfer market as the club look to make their first signing of the summer.
After the disappointment of seeing Spurs pip them to fourth place last month, Arteta is looking for a lift in the transfer market. And after identifying Man City forward Gabriel Jesus as a top striker target months ago, the Gunners boss is said to be “frustrated”.
The Daily Mail claim Arteta is far from happy with the club and how they are conducting their summer business.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang long gone and Alexandre Lacazette having now left, Arteta needs some attacking reinforcements.
And Arteta targeted Brazilian star Jesus after it came to light that City would listen to offers for the forward. However, that was almost two month’s ago, but their progress over any deal has been minimal.
Technical director Edu first approached Jesus as far back as November. The Arsenal chief has a close relationship with the forward and the player’s agent Marcelo Pettinati
The Gunners quickly registered their interest but have yet to agree to City’s £50m asking price. And they have not managed to start discussions over personal terms.
Jesus is out of contract in 2023 and Arsenal are reluctant to meet the asking price for a player, who could leave for free next summer.
The Arsenal hierarchy “are insisting that all major transactions are approved by the American ownership”. And that has left Arteta in limbo over any deals.
It’s that red tape which is holding up any progress in the deal for Jesus.
Man City have Gabriel Jesus dilemma
And with the club deliberating over a deal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Real Madrid have joined the race. And that has led to concerns from Arteta that Arsenal could miss out on the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, Football.London have also suggested that Man City are dragging their heels over a deal after agreeing a deal for Erling Haaland.
But Haaland has yet to be officially unveiled. And City are keen to avoid stripping Jesus of his No.9 shirt in order to hand it to the Norwegian.
City do not want to upset the dressing room by axing Jesus from his favoured No.9. Instead City are waiting for the departure of Jesus, so they can they hand his vacated number to the Borussia Dortmund striker.