Gabriel Jesus agent lifts lid on Chelsea's failed last-ditch attempt to hijack transfer

Gabriel Jesus' agent has opened up on how Chelsea failed in a last-ditch attempt to hijack the striker's recent transfer to Arsenal.

The Gunners completed a deal for their top target earlier in the summer, despite suggestions the lack of Champions League football on offer in the red half of north London next season could jeopardise a transfer which had seemingly been in the offing for several months. The Brazilian eventually moved to the Emirates in a £45million deal from Manchester City, but he wasn't short of suitors this summer.

The likes of Real Madrid, Tottenham and Chelsea were all linked with the four-time Premier League champion and it has now emerged that the latter made a late attempt to hijack Jesus' move to Arsenal. That's according to the player's agent Marcelo Pettinati who claims the Blues pushed "very hard" to steal the striker in the final few days preceding his transfer.

"Chelsea were one of the teams that tried to hijack the Arsenal move," Pettinati told journalist Freddie Paxton. "They tried very hard in the final days to get him. By that point, we'd already chosen our new project."

After completing an eagerly-anticipated move to Arsenal, Jesus confirmed Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who he had previously worked alongside at City, was a key influence in his decision to head to the Emirates. Upon joining, the 25-year-old told Arsenal's club website: "We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future.

"I believe 100 per cent in Mikel. I had a very good time with him before, he's a very good guy and a very good coach as well."

Arteta himself was full of praise for his new addition upon finally getting a deal over the line, while he also commended the job of the north