Arsenal: 'Stunning' £55m target would find Emirates move 'appealing'

Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus would still find a move to the Emirates Stadium ‘appealing’ this summer despite the club missing out on the Champions League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to north London in recent weeks following the arrival of Erling Haaland at Manchester City.

ESPN previously reported that the Arsenal hierarchy are ‘weighing up their options’ after being informed by City that signing Jesus will set them back £55 million.

The report stated that initial contact has taken place between the two clubs but that the Gunners baulked at the Brazil international’s price tag given he only has a year remaining on his contract.

However, the Evening Standard have provided an update on Jesus’ situation, claiming Arsenal will ‘step up their pursuit’ of the versatile star after manager Mikel Arteta identified him as his top forward transfer target.

Arteta knows the South American well from his time on Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff and the pair could be reunited over the coming months.

Arsenal narrowly missed out on a top-four finish, and although O’Rourke believes Jesus could still be tempted to join the capital club, he also reckons that the player will ‘want to continue playing at the highest level’.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I still think he would find it appealing. Obviously, missing out on the Champions League would be a blow for Arsenal and possibly for the player as well.

“He’s played so often in the Champions League for Manchester City that he’ll want to continue playing at the highest level.”

Jesus landed on England shores in January 2017 from boyhood club Palmeiras and his rise to