Mikel Arteta is ready to let one Arsenal star leave the club this summer, with AC Milan showing a strong interest in sealing a deal ahead of Newcastle, according to Sports Boom.
The Gunners moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League, having played two games more than rivals Man City, thanks to a 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, while they are also on the brink of their first Champions League final ahead of a semi-final second leg clash with Atletico Madrid in midweek.
But while there is still plenty to play for this season, the club are already making plans for the summer transfer window and next season, with the Spanish manager already giving the green light for one player to depart.
Arteta Green Lights Gabriel Jesus Exit
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According to a report, AC Milan are confident of beating Newcastle United to the signing of Gabriel Jesus in the summer after Arteta sanctioned a move away.
The Brazilian, who joined from Man City in a £50m deal back in 2022, has fallen down the pecking order in recent times after a series of injury issues, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres both preferred by the manager for the centre-forward role.
Jesus is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in 2027 and has attracted interest from Milan for several windows, with the Serie A club believed to be the frontrunners for his signature. However, Newcastle are ready to enter the race for his signature to keep him in the Premier League, as they prepare for their own rebuild.
Max Allegri is understood to have identified the 29-year-old as his top target for the transfer window, with the hope that Champions League football will be enough to lure him away from England. Newcastle, on the other hand, are looking for a new striker with Yoanne Wissa being actively pushed out of the club.
Time for Arsenal to Cash in on Jesus
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Jesus arrived in north London with big expectations after winning three Premier League titles with Man City, but injuries have really hindered him, and he has managed just 31 goals in 122 appearances.
While he has his benefits, with fantastic technical quality and experience at the highest level, Arsenal want to refresh their squad in the summer once again, and that makes him a prime candidate to move on considering his lack of action and his contract status.
It's unlikely that Arsenal will get a big fee at this stage, but getting his wages off the books will help them to reinvest, and Arteta will undoubtedly look to replace him with someone that he actually wants in the squad, so this summer is the perfect opportunity for everyone to part ways.
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Arteta must make the big decision.