FINALLY: Arsenal reached an agreement with £213,000-a-week striker who’s currently the best in Europe as ‘everything is ready’ ahead of six-years deal
The agent of Botafogo striker Igor Jesus has flown into England to hold talks with Arsenal over a summer transfer move, according to Brazilian outlet GE Globo.
The 24-year-old has been on the radar of the Gunners for a while, and they could look to snap him up in the coming weeks given the dire need to bolster their attack before next season.
However, Arsenal will face competition from Nottingham Forest and Fulham for the services of the four-cap Brazil international.
Botafogo were willing to sell Jesus for €30 million in January, but he decided to stay put to participate in the Club World Cup holding next month.
He has six goals and one assist in 22 games this year after notching 25 goals and nine assists in 56 games last year, playing a huge role as his club won the Brazilian Serie A title and Copa Libertadores (South American equivalent of the Champions League).
Jesus could be perfect for Arsenal given his impressive finishing in front of goal, but their former sporting director, Edu Gaspar, could stand in their way.
Forest are one of the clubs Edu is overseeing after leaving the Gunners, and he will be desperate to pip them to the services of Jesus as his new club look to mount another top-four challenge next term.
The North London club also want to sign a winger, a midfielder and a defender, and they may need to settle for a decent-money signing in the number 9 role given their budget.
The Botafogo forward fits the bill and could turn out to be a superstar in the Premier League despite his cheap fee.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will be desperate to get it right in the summer transfer window after the club failed to shake off their nearly men tag again this season, and they must succeed in their mission to sign the perfect man to lead the line.
