Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has previously described Mikel Arteta as “fantastic” amid links connecting him with a move to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Jesus, who produced an outstanding performance in City’s 5-1 win over Watford on Saturday, scoring four goals, has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks. It is claimed that Arsenal want to bring in two ‘marquee signings’ this summer and Jesus is amongst their targets.

Speculation has surrounded the Brazilian’s future this season and it is not yet clear what this forthcoming summer will hold for him, especially if City land Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland. Jesus has made just 24 Premier League appearances this season and Saturday’s victory over Watford marked just his third league start of 2022.

READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus breaks silence on Man City transfer exit speculation

Considering opportunities have not been overly forthcoming for the 25-year-old, who is now just seven goals away from reaching a century in City colours, speculation is understandably rife. And amid ongoing links connecting him with a move to Arsenal, Jesus’ past admiration for Arteta, who was a coach a City between 2019 and 2019, could entice him to swap the Etihad Stadium for the Emirates Stadium this summer, should the Gunners come calling.

“He’s helped a lot of players,” Jesus said of Arteta after the latter was installed as Arsenal manager in December 2019. “When I want to do finishing after training, I tell him and he comes and helps me.

“So he is really fantastic for us. All the players know that — everyone knows that in the club. He is a fantastic guy and fantastic manager.

“I don’t honestly know what he thinks about his career, that is for him. I hope he can find his way and I hope he can be happy.”

In total, Jesus has racked up 35 appearances in all competitions for City this season, scoring 11 goals and grabbing 12 assists, meaning 23 direct goal contributions in 35 matches is a very healthy return. However, his lack of starts in recent months will have been bound to frustrate the Brazilian.

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