MIKEL ARTETA has reportedly been dealt a blow in his pursuit of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus.
LaLiga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both rumoured to have entered the race for his signature.
Erling Haaland's arrival at the Etihad has led to suggestions that Jesus could leave the club.
It is understood that City will look for a fee of around £40m-50million for the 25-year-old.
But after Arsenal initially emerged as candidates for his signature, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are now lining up moves.
That's according to Fichajes, who claim the LaLiga heavyweights are both in the market for a forward.
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While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has found the back of the net on a regular basis since swapping Arsenal for Barca, the striker is 32-years-old and nearing the final years of his career.
Atletico meanwhile are seeking a replacement for Luis Suarez, who is set to leave the club when his contract expires.
Elsewhere it is claimed Juventus and Inter Milan are monitoring Jesus' situation, and there have also been enquiries from Germany.
Arsenal though will still be hopeful of luring Jesus to the Emirates.
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SunSport exclusively revealed on Thursday that Jesus wants to continue playing in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has just one year left on his contract and has refused to commit to City further.
SunSport spoke with the Brazilian’s agents, who revealed they see the Prem as the “NBA of football”.
Gunners boss Arteta has experience of working with Jesus in the past too, having served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at City between 2016 and 2019.
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