Why a new deal for Gabriel Jesus is a wise move by Manchester City

According to The Sun, Manchester City are readying a new £120,000-a-week deal for Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus.

The 23-year-old finisher has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks, with Serie A side Juventus keen on securing his services. However, City are hopeful that they can persuade their £100million-rated forward to extend his current contract – which still has three years left to run.

Jesus next in line to lead Manchester City attack

This is not the first time Juventus have made an approach for Jesus. The Italian giants attempted to sign him first whilst he was just a teenager playing for Palmeiras in his homeland. However, no move materialised as manager Pep Guardiola persuaded him to join Manchester City.

Jesus joined City in January 2017 for £27million and has since then featured 139 times for them across all competitions. He also has an impressive 63 goals and 25 assists to his name, establishing himself as one of the key players under City boss Guardiola.

The young striker, however, has failed to nail down his spot as a regular even after three years since moving to England, especially due to the presence of veteran striker and City legend, Sergio Aguero.

He has mostly played second fiddle to the Argentine star but his numbers give a clear idea of the talent that he is. Also, Aguero’s current contract at the Etihad is set to expire next year, meaning Jesus is the next in line to lead City’s attack in the coming days.

The Brazilian, who has a £90,000-per-week salary at the moment has been impressive this year too, scoring 18 goals from 39 matches across all competitions. He also has an impressive 8 assists under his belt, making complete sense of City’s intent to keep him in the side for a longer duration.

With Aguero about to turn 32 this June and City clearly not having any more strikers in their ranks, it’s imperative that they hold on to Jesus. Hence, a new deal for the Brazilian seems like a smart move by Guardiola’s City.

Read more:

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• Why Manchester City should make a move for Houssem Aouar
• Man City ready to swap Otamendi for Argentine starlet Lucas Martinez Quarta with £19m clause – Is it a right move?

Verdict

It is very clear that Jesus has been a key player for them ever since his arrival at Manchester City. His numbers are a testament to his talent and potential. Despite Aguero being in top form, Jesus has delivered when given a chance. Moreover, he is still young and has plenty of football left in him. Thus, City’s decision to hand him a new deal seems like a step in the right direction.