Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Gabriel Jesus on a five-year deal today, but the move almost came unstuck over one particular point.
Jesus is set to join Mikel Arteta's side until the summer of 2027 in a deal with £45 million.
While the centre forward's price tag might seem expensive considering he was in the final year of his contract, a proven Premier League goalscorer who can press from the front is something Arsenal have missed sorely over the last season and manager Arteta will be extremely excited to land his man.
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Jesus, however, was not too pleased about the fact he will not be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian star has yet to win the competition but came close twice in the past two seasons, reaching the semi-final and final respectively.
While Jesus' main ambition is to get in the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup, and with Manchester City completing the signing of Erling Haaland, he recognised his potential lack of playing time up front.
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It's believed that Edu and Arteta were crucial in convincing the player of the project Arsenal are currently undertaking.
Arsenal have already completed the signings of winger Marquinhos, goalkeeper Matt Turner and attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira.
Jesus will no doubt be Arsenal's top choice up front, with Eddie Nketiah signing a new long-term deal and will likely play back up or in a rotation system at the very most.
The Gunners are also interested in Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, submitting no less than three offers for the central defender whose versatility could prove crucial in a side which lacked depth last season.
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It looks as though the signing of winger Raphinha will be unlikely, with Chelsea meeting Leeds United's £60 million asking price.
Jesus' signing should be announced imminently by Arsenal, with the deal wrapped up earlier this week.
Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Erling Haaland, Transfers, Manchester City, Fabrizio Romano
Adam Hamdani