What Manchester City's $54M Star Said About Possible Summer Transfer To Arsenal [Details]

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has refused to comment on his future at Etihad amid Arsenal links ahead of 2022 summer.

Jesus had a terrific outing against Watford in the Premier League on Saturday as he netted four goals in Man City's 5-1 win.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has just a year left on his contract with Man City. Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2022-23 campaign and Jesus is one of their targets, reported The Athletic.

"It's not time to think about this. You expect me to say this, but it's true. Now is the best moment of the season. I want to enjoy, to keep focused on my team, with my teammates, to fight for the Premier League. I won it with my teammates three times. And I know how that feels and I want to have that feeling again. And then of course we also have the tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid [in the Champions League] and that is my focus," Jesus told The Guardian.

Jesus has been on Man City's Premier League squad 29 times this year, but he has played only 24 of those games, starting in just 17. In 24 league appearances in the 2021-22 season, Jesus has netted seven goals, out of which four came in a single game, along with nine assists.

In the same interview, when Jesus was asked if he would like to start more regularly, the Brazilian replied, "It's not just me, it's [all] the players. If you ask, everyone's going to say 'I want to play' and the season that I arrived here I played a lot, I think."

In fact, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola claimed Arsenal are in advance talks with Jesus over a potential transfer this summer. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently. While Technical Director Edu, who is in charge of negotiations, has even reached an agreement with the player's agent, there's no deal with Manchester City yet, Nicola said on his YouTube channel.

Jesus' current market value is around $54 million, according to Transfermarkt. If Man City are not looking to offer the player an extension, they would certainly look to cash in on him this summer.

After 33 games in the 2021-22 Premier League, the reigning champions Man City have 80 points but are just a point clear of second-placed Liverpool. With just four games remaining in the English top-flight, even a small mistake from Pep Guardiola's City could see the advantage move to Jurgen Klopp's Reds.

Man City's next fixture is the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Following this, the Etihad side will travel to Elland Road to face off against Leeds United in the league on April 30.