Within hours of reports surfacing linking Gabriel Jesus with a summer switch to Arsenal, the Brazilian striker scored four for Manchester City in a 5-1 demolition of Watford. A few days after that, he found the back of the net again in a Champions League semi-final victory over Real Madrid. If it wasn’t already, it’s now obvious why the Gunners want Jesus.

There is good reason to believe City will allow Jesus to leave the club at the end of the season, despite his recent scoring streak. According to widespread reports, the Premier PINC +1.5% League table-toppers are preparing the ground for the arrival of Erling Haaland as their new number nine this summer with Argentine youngster Julian Alvarez also joining.

These two additions to the Manchester City squad will limit Jesus’ game time. What’s more, the 25-year-old hasn’t developed as many at the Etihad Stadium had hoped. Signed to be the long-term successor to Sergio Aguero, Jesus has never demonstrated the consistency required to be a first-choice centre forward for a team like Guardiola’s.

Jesus also makes sense for Arsenal as a transfer target. Mikel Arteta is short of options in the number nine position following the January departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona with Alexandre Lacazette also expected to leave at the end of his contract this summer. The Gunners need a new frontman.