Gabriel Jesus has been linked with a move to Barcelona (Getty Images)
As per Calciomercato (h/t The Sun), Juventus are preparing to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer.
The report also suggests that Juventus had sent scouts twice in over six months to watch Jesus in action. And Barcelona are also interested in signing him at the end of the season.
Despite not having enough opportunities under Pep Guardiola, the Brazilian has established himself as a key figure of the squad since his arrival from Palmeiras in 2017. In his first season at Etihad, he scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists in just 10 games. He scored 17 goals and 22 goals in the last two campaigns respectively and made his presence felt for City in their attacking unit.
Jesus in on course to enjoy his best goalscoring season since his arrival in England as he already has 18 goals to his name this season, which includes a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League and crucial strikes against Everton, Leicester City and Real Madrid.
In his three seasons with the cub, he has had a hand in several trophies including two Premier League titles and is one of the best young players in England. He has already made over 100 appearances for the Cityzens.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have lacked consistency this term and are on the verge of losing the Premier League title to leaders Liverpool. They haven’t been dominant as they were in the previous campaigns.
However, they are one foot away from progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a splendid display against Real Madrid last week. They followed that with a victory over Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final last weekend. Despite the recent success, City will need to more aggressive if they are to challenge for the league title next season and to do this, they need to keep hold of their key players.
In that regard, they should avoid any temptation from Juventus or Barcelona for in-form striker Gabriel Jesus.
The 22-year-old is capable of taking over from City talisman Sergio Aguero, who is already 31 and would not be able to offer much in the future. Jesus has filled in the place of the Argentine and has done a decent job so far.
Jesus displayed his brilliance against Real Madrid in the Champions League and also showed his ability to help the team in defence despite playing higher up the pitch. He can surely go on to become successful under Guardiola and must be seen as City’s leader in the future.
City have a gem of a player in their hands and Jesus has already shown his abilities at a higher level despite his tender age. He has also played in 38 games for Brazil, enhancing his experience at the top level and he must be given enough chances by the manager to develop into one of the best forwards.
Therefore, the Etihad outfit must not let the Brazilian leave in the summer. He must be seen as a replacement for the ageing Aguero.
