Tottenham are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Gabriel Jesus thanks to an Antonio Conte ace card, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims two more players may depart Manchester City, with Chelsea seeing a cheeky opening offer for Raheem Sterling fail.
ARSENAL HOPES TUMBLE AS TOTTENHAM TAKE LEAD FOR GABRIEL JESUS
Arsenal’s hopes of landing Gabriel Jesus appear to be crumbling with Tottenham now seemingly in the driving seat for his transfer.
The Brazilian is likely to leave Manchester City this summer following their big-money capture of Erling Haaland. And with Julian Alvarez also arriving, Jesus will likely be allowed to depart.
With just a year left on his deal, City are reportedly hoping to still achieve £50m for his signature. That looks to be an issue for Arsenal. That said, talks with his agent have been ongoing for months. And on Saturday it was claimed there was a belief the Gunners could get the deal done.
However, the Daily Mirror reckons Tottenham now lead the chase with an offer imminent from Antonio Conte’s side.
They claim Conte is impressed by Jesus’ versatility and reckon he can play across their frontline. Furthermore, with the Champions League on offer, they reckon they can tempt the 25-year-old to N17.
That would come as a huge blow for Arsenal, who have locked on to Jesus as their No 1 striker target.
Assessing his future while on international duty recently, Jesus insists City know what he wants to do.
“About my future, it’s still uncertain. I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the City people and to my agent. I have in my head [a very clear idea of] what I want.
“Today, I want to celebrate a lot with City. It’s obvious that I’m very happy here. Tomorrow, if everything goes well for me, my wife and our family, [daughter] Helena will come to the world.
“So, I have to take advantage of this moment. Then, think about the team, smile at the team again. And, on vacation, I [will] decide about my future.”
And with Champions League football seemingly a must for Jesus, any offer from Tottenham is likely to win the day.
CHELSEA SEE OPENING OFFER FOR RAHEEM STERLING FAIL
Jesus is unlikely to be the last attacking likely to leave Manchester City this summer, either.
Indeed, reports emerged over the weekend about how Chelsea are making steps to bring Raheem Sterling to Stamford Bridge.
The England winger also on has a year left on his deal and talks over an extension are yet to see an agreement reached.
As such, Thomas Tuchel is hoping to bring the player to London. Furthermore, The Athletic claims there is a growing confidence from Tuchel that a deal can be agreed.
And reports claim Sterling has already set those wheels in motion by asking friends about life at the club.
City are reportedly seeking as much as £60m for Sterling, despite his perilous contract situation. As a regular England international and a player now approaching his prime, the Cityzens are setting their stall out strongly.
However, as per Fabrizio Romano, that has not stopped Chelsea launching a cheeky opening offer.
He claims the Blues’ opening £21.5m offer for the 27-year-old has been firmly rejected.
Chelsea are in talks over Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan. And while Sterling is not a direct replacement, his eye for goal will help the Blues plug part of that gap.
NATHAN AKE ALSO ON CHELSEA SHOPPING LIST
Chelsea are also seemingly keen on a second Manchester City star too in Nathan Ake.
Signing defenders is undoubtedly the priority for Tuchel this summer with a number of stars departing.
Indeed, with Andreas Christensen joining Antonio Rudiger through the exit door, the Blues’ backline will likely look very different next season.
Furthermore, Barcelona are also looking to sign Marcos Alonso and are reportedly offering Sergino Dest in return.
As such, getting his hands on new defenders is very much Tuchel’s No 1 focus this summer.
The likes of RB Leipzig’s Josip Gvardiol is on their wishlist. However, it is Jules Kounde who remains their top target, though Sevilla continue to take a strong stance over his asking price.
Still, Tuchel needs a new second new signing to cover the loss of Christensen and Rudiger.
And, as per the Daily Telegraph, that has led them towards City defender Ake.
He was recently linked with a move to Newcastle, amid doubts over his City future.
As fourth choice, he finds himself behind Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order. All the same, he still featured in 26 games last season, never letting Pep Guardiola down.
He appears settled at City, having signed two summers ago for £40m from Bournemouth.
However, the chance of regular football at former club Chelsea could yet convince him to push for a move.
City reportedly value Ake at around the £50m mark.
