Arsenal targeting 116-goal striker 'Arteta and Edu know well' at the Emirates

Arsenal will continue to pursue Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus because boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu ‘know him well’, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Gunners missed out on bagging a Champions League qualification spot after falling just short last season, but it seems Arteta has reacted by looking to lure Jesus to the Emirates Stadium.

Jesus appears to have been a long-term target as, according to The Athletic, Edu has been holding discussions with the 25-year-old’s representatives for a number of months.

The report suggests Arsenal have been exploring the possibility of swooping for the 54-cap Brazil international and he is open to the prospect of linking up with Arteta’s charges.

It is understood that the Gunners are increasingly confident of tempting Jesus away from Manchester City thanks to positive negotiations taking place behind the scenes.

With Jesus entering the final 12 months of his £91,000-per-week Etihad Stadium deal at the end of June, the reigning Premier League champions may decide now is the right time to cash-in.

However, the precarious contract situation has resulted in Tottenham Hotspur providing Arsenal with competition for the frontman’s services.

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Brown believes Arteta and Edu are keen to get the deal over the line thanks to already having a relationship with Jesus.

However, the journalist feels the Manchester City man is stalling over a move because he is keen to see if any alternative options come to the fore.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s certainly someone that both Arteta and Edu know well and rate as a player.

“If they can make that happen, I