Merson tells Jesus there is ‘no way’ that he should leave Man City for Arsenal

Paul Merson has advised Gabriel Jesus to remain at Manchester City despite interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Only 23 of his 36 appearances this season have been in the starting XI with Citizens boss Guardiola preferring other options at times as he rotates his squad.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has claimed talks between Arsenal technical director Edu and Jesus’ representatives are “pretty much done and dusted” ahead of a possible transfer.

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He added that at this point there has been no discussions between Arsenal and Man City but that the Brazil international “would be open” to a move to the Emirates Stadium.

But former Arsenal midfielder Merson thinks Jesus should stay at Man City where he would be much more likely to win silverware.

“Gabriel Jesus should stay at Manchester City. There’s speculation about his future and people think he’s unhappy he doesn’t play enough – but he’s started 17 Premier League games this season,” Merson told the Daily Star.

“I think that’s a lot. He’s played 36 times for City this season. And started a lot of big, big games. Where is he going to go where he can do any better than that?

“Even if City sign Erling Haaland, he shouldn’t leave. No way. This is a team that is going to go deep in four competitions every year and he will always get games.

“Pep Guardiola trusts him. He misses a lot of chances but you can play him anywhere in the forward line and he always keeps trying to get in there.

“He still has a big role to play this season. I don’t think Haaland would play a huge amount more than that if he goes there.

“But it’s mind-blowing how open City were against Real Madrid.