As Gabriel Jesus closes in on a move to Arsenal this summer, it is perhaps safe to say that this has not been the first instance in which he has been linked with an exit from Manchester City.
Considering his arguable inability to succeed the legendary Sergio Agüero as the club’s go-to number nine, Jesus was constantly speculated with being on the lookout for a change of scenery.
A defensively-minded league such as the Serie A was touted as a potential division for one of the world’s best pressers to take his next career step away from the North-West of England.
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Juventus in particular were focused upon as a possible destination for the versatile forward, considering the pragmatic Maximiliano Allegri’s presence in Turin for a majority of the last decade.
The links with the Italian giants surfaced before the 25-year old’s imminent transfer to Mikel Arteta’s side as well, with AC Milan also reported to be eyeing his signature.
Just last summer, it was widely claimed that Gabriel Jesus could join Tottenham, in a player-plus cash exchange from Manchester City to sign Harry Kane.
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However, a surprising club has now joined this list of names, which could have been one of the most unpredictable transfers in years if the deal had gotten over the line.
As per a report by Claret & Hugh, West Ham turned down the chance to sign Gabriel Jesus at the start of the 2020/21 season.
It is claimed that the former Palmeiras talisman was offered to the Hammers by Manchester City, as manager David Moyes had decided to opt against the club making a bid due to the rising cost of the transfer.
It is believed that the East London outfit would have had to fork out a £50 million fee to complete a deal for the Brazilian international.
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While the deal seems reasonable on paper, it is worth noting that West Ham’s record-signing till date remains Sebastien Haller, who was brought in for £41 million in 2019.
Ultimately, Gabriel Jesus went on to stick around at the Etihad Stadium and become a back-to-back Premier League champion.
It is safe to say that the often-underrated striker would have been a smash hit at the London Stadium, as his five-year spell at the Etihad Stadium has proven that he is a reliable goalscorer.
However, Gabriel Jesus is now headed to Arsenal - a club that arguably suits a player of his stature a lot more than West Ham, who have failed to qualify for Europe next term.
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Jesus is expected to be officially announced as a new Gunners player in the coming days.
The Brazil international completed his medical earlier this week, after Manchester City and Arsenal had reached an agreement over a £45 million fee for the player.
Topics: Gabriel Jesus, West Ham United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Brazil
