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Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus
Chris Byfield
La Liga giants Real Madrid will look to sign Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus next summer, according to reports.
Since moving to the Emirates last summer, the Brazilian has played a key part in a firing Gunners’ attack.
While he has not scored in seven games, the Brazilian has provided two assists for teammates in Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest.
However, Arsenal could lose Jesus after just 12 months at the Emirates, according to a Sun report.
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The publication claims the Brazil striker is admired by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, and that the player is on a five-man shortlist compiled by the Italian.
Ancelotti allegedly sees him as an understudy and potential successor to Real Madrid’s Balon d’Or winning number 9, Karim Benzema.
Also on Madrid's shortlist are Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, Brazil wonderkid Endrick, Benefica midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, Piero Hincapie.
Los Blancos were previously linked with Jesus last summer but reportedly decided against signing the player due to a passport issue.
Real’s loss was Arsenal’s gain, however - the forward has scored five goals and provided six assist for his teammates in 12 Premier League outings.
Arteta would likely be resistant to letting the striker go so soon after luring him away from Manchester City for a relatively meagre £45million.
Speaking in pre-season the Arsenal boss said: “He creates chaos, he creates uncertainty and he's always on your shoulder. He's always there to nick the ball off you, he's always in front of the goal. He's a real threat and this is what we need. And then he's the one.
“The moment we give the ball away he is straight away active and putting pressure and getting his team behind him.
“He has a lot of leadership skills, I can see straight away what he's doing with the boys and he's the type of guy that we want.
“I love those kind of players, streetwise. They learn a lot, they know how to feel, they can take advantage of any situation and that's what we need.
“But not on his own sometimes, but don't close that door because Gabby in relation to what the opponent does in certain games we are going to have to use him in different positions.
“He is open to that and he knows it's part of his strength as well.”