Chelsea to rival Arsenal, Real Madrid for Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus?

The Brazil international is widely expected to leave the Premier League champions ahead of the 2022-23 season, with Julian Alvarez and Erling Braut Haaland both arriving at the Etihad.

Arsenal have long been considered the front-runners for Jesus's signature, in spite of their failure to qualify for the Champions League with a fifth-placed finish last term.

Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for replacements for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, the latter of whom will depart on a free transfer at the end of the month.

However, Man City are still thought to be demanding in excess of £40m for Jesus, whose contract with Pep Guardiola's side expires at the end of next season.

A recent report claimed that Jesus has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, who are facing stiff competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

According to AS, Chelsea have now entered the running for the Brazil international's signature as Todd Boehly prepares to officially take control of the club from Roman Abramovich.

The report adds that Jesus is "very close" to sealing an exit from the Etihad this summer, and Chelsea will submit a formal offer once Boehly's £4.25bn takeover is sanctioned by the UK Government.

A delay in takeover completion could work against Chelsea, though, while Real Madrid may also be at a disadvantage due to regulations surrounding non-EU nationals.

One of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo or Eder Militao would supposedly have to leave before Real could sign Jesus, and Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of parting ways with any member of the trio.

Despite not being a regular starter, Jesus still managed eight goals and nine assists in 28 Premier League appearances last term, totalling 13 goals and 12 assists in 41 outings across all competitions.

The former Palmeiras youngster has now recorded a total of 95 goals and 46 assists in 236 appearances for City since his 2017 arrival and won his fourth Premier League title in the 2021-22 season.

Jesus has also scooped one FA Cup and four EFL Cups under Guardiola and is being linked with a Chelsea at a time where Romelu Lukaku's Blues future is being called into question.

The Belgium international has failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge since his £97.5m return and has supposedly decided that he wants to return to Inter Milan this summer.

However, the Nerazzurri cannot afford to re-sign Lukaku on a permanent deal, and Chelsea are allegedly after a mammoth £20m fee to sanction a loan return.