Glen Johnson believes Arsenal’s prospects of signing Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus have suffered significantly as a result of the Gunners’ failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Even before the end of the previous season, Jesus was connected with a move from the Etihad to the Emirates, with the forward no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans following the arrival of star striker Erling Haaland.
A deal for the Brazilian will be difficult, with Arsenal allegedly hesitant to match City’s £50 million value, but former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Johnson believes there is another pressing issue that could derail the proposed trade.
‘I think he’ll [Jesus] definitely think twice about that move after Arsenal failed to secure Champions League football,’ he told Bettingodds.com.
‘I see him being a much better fit for Arsenal for sure. After being successful at Manchester City, you’re going to want to be in the top tournaments and fight for trophies.
‘I don’t think they’re going to be too far off it next year, but it’ll certainly put a spanner in the works with how he’s thinking.’
Arsenal were pipped to a top four position by arch-rivals Tottenham and as a result have lost some transfer market clout, which could hinder their pursuit of Jesus, especially given the 26-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid, both of whom can offer Champions League football.
Mikel Arteta is desperate for fresh attackers, with Eddie Nketiah the only natural No.9 left at the club, and even he has yet to renew his contract with the Gunners.
Jesus, who has 95 goals and 46 assists in 236 appearances for City, would be an excellent fit, but Arsenal have also been linked with a number of other players, including Everton’s Richarlison, Roma’s Tammy Abraham, and RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku.
Napoli recently rejected the club’s £51 million deal for striker Victor Osimhen.