Journalist drops interesting claim as Arsenal line up swoop for "Champions League footballer"

Arsenal will need to convince Gabriel Jesus about their project if they want to sign the Manchester City striker this summer, claims journalist Dean Jones.

The Gunners want to strengthen their front line ahead of next term, and have identified Jesus as a potential target.

Mikel Arteta is very keen on luring Jesus to the Emirates Stadium, and has made him his top transfer target, according to The Athletic.

The Sun recently reported that Arsenal are willing to push the boat out to land Jesus as they are ready to offer him a basic salary of £190,000-a-week.

This would almost double his current wages at City, who pay him £110,000-per-week.

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Jones does not believe that it matters how much money Arsenal are willing to pay Jesus, who is valued at £60m by CIES. He feels the more important aspect of a potential deal will be convincing Jesus that they can get back in the top four and compete for major trophies once more.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “I don’t feel like it’s going to be about finances as much as ambition for Gabriel Jesus. He’s a Champions League footballer. At the moment, we don’t know when or if Arsenal are going to be in the Champions League. So, he needs to be sold the project.”

Arsenal came so close to getting back into the top four last season, but they fell at the final hurdle and just missed out to their arch-rivals Tottenham. If they had returned to the Champions League, negotiating a deal for Jesus may have been a lot easier.

Looking ahead to next season, it is unlikely to be any easier for Arsenal to finish inside the top four. City and Liverpool showed they were head and shoulders clear of the chasing pack in