Arsenal face losing Gabriel Jesus this summer, with Real Madrid interested: report

Arsenal are facing the prospect of having to fight to keep Gabriel Jesus.

The Gunners only signed the Brazilian last summer in a deal worth around £45 million, when Jesus joined from Manchester City. The move was seen as a huge coup for Mikel Arteta's side – and their new No.9 has helped to spearhead a title challenge, with Arsenal eight points ahead of City in the Premier League.

But Real Madrid are said to be interested in Jesus – and they only failed to pursue him last season on a technicality.

Spanish rules prevent more than three non-EU players in a squad, with Los Blancos unable to challenge for Jesus while they had Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr holding those spots in their squad. Since, however, Vinicius Jr has qualified for a Spanish passport.

This would mean that Real are free to buy another Brazilian – and reports suggest they have their eyes on Arsenal's superstar striker.

According to Defensa Central, the European champions view Jesus as the ideal replacement for Karim Benzema. At 35, the current Ballon d'Or holder is winding down – though Jesus is versatile enough to slot in on the right of the Frenchman if need be.

Arsenal won't want to lose Jesus – especially this soon into their project – but they have fair reason to expect that he will remain.

After the last game before the World Cup against Wolves, Jesus told FFT that the club felt like a "family" and after making such a big move to north London, he would be unlikely to leave after just a season. Arsenal have him tied to a big contract and would no doubt demand double for his services.

Jesus is valued at €75m by Transfermarkt.

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The rumour mill is going into overdrive with Arsenal leading the way in the race to sign Declan Rice. One source claims a contract has been agreed with the midfielder, though Manchester City are interested, too. West Ham apparently have a successor lined up.

In other rumours, Raheem Sterling is being targeted, with a centre-forward on the wishlist, according to reports. A bid for Raphinha has been revealed while Rasmus Holjund of Atalanta is on the radar, too. January target Ivan Fresneda is still wanted by the Gunners, as well.

Meanwhile, Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk – who turned down Arsenal in the winter window – has addressed his supposed unhappiness at Stamford Bridge.