Out of favour Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has fallen on the radar of Serie A giants Juventus, reports the Daily Star.
Since signing from Palmeiras in January 2017, the Brazilian international, 24, has failed to nail down a spot for himself in the Manchester City starting XI. He played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero until last summer, and it felt like the Argentinean’s departure would finally open the door for him to become a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.
However, it didn’t turn out that way and despite Manchester City failing to replace Aguero with Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Gabriel Jesus has not enjoyed as much regular game time as he would have liked this season. At the start of the campaign, the Brazilian adapted to a new role on the right flank with Guardiola rotating Ferran Torres, Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden as a false 9.
As the season has progressed, Jesus’ game time has reduced and he has fallen down the pecking order, despite the January departure of Ferran Torres to Barcelona. As a result, the 24-year-old’s future at Manchester City beyond this campaign is in doubt.
The Cityzens are in search of a world-class striker to replace Aguero, as per recent reports, Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland has emerged as a top priority. All the speculation surrounding Haaland to Man City has led Juventus to explore the possibility of signing Jesus, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2023, claims the Daily Star.
The report adds that the Serie A giants believe Haaland’s potential arrival at Man City in the summer could make Jesus available for around £65million. Should the Norwegian international swap Dortmund for Man City, he will certainly be ahead of Jesus in the attacking pecking order.
The Brazilian striker has struggled for game time in England in recent times, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him deciding to move on from Manchester City to revive his career elsewhere. From Man City’s perspective, it would be wise to cash in on Jesus in the summer if they acquire Haaland’s services.