Henry approves Arsenal pursuit of Jesus
Jesus, who has just over a year remaining on his City deal, is said to be open to joining the north London club at the end of the season
Gunners legend Thierry Henry has given his seal of approval over Arsenal's reported move for Gabriel Jesus, insisting the Man City striker would bring the instincts of a clinical No 9 to north London.
Jesus appears set to leave City this summer amid their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, who Sportsmail understands has already agreed a £500,000-a-week contract with the Premier League champions.
The Brazilian has only started 16 league games for City this season and will likely see his game time decrease even further when Haaland arrives, meaning a move away from the Etihad may be necessary.
The Athletic claimed earlier this month that Arsenal are the frontrunners to sign him, with technical director Edu approaching his representatives about a potential deal.
Jesus, who has just over a year remaining on his City deal, is said to be open to joining the north London club at the end of the season.
And amid talk of him joining the club, legendary Gunners striker Henry has opened up on why he admires the 25-year-old as a forward.
When asked what he likes about Jesus, the Frenchman said on CBS Sports: 'What he can give offensively to the team.
'We saw that he scored four goals at the weekend [against Watford]. When he is in the box, he's one of the three that is playing, or since [Sergio] Aguero left, he has that nine instinct. He has what the number nine would smell.
'What I like with him is that when he puts pressure, whether it's on the left, on the right or in the middle, he doesn't have a problem to defend in them situations by coming back and helping his team.'
Jesus has scored 94 goals in 231 appearances for City since joining from Palmeiras in 2017, winning three Premier League titles, as many League Cups and the FA Cup.
When asked what he wants from a potential new striker last month, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: 'He puts the ball in the net, that's priority number one. Goal threat.
'Any successful team needs enough goal threat in the squad. Without it, you have nothing.
'You can play good football but you need enough goal threat in the team. The other thing is that he has to complement the other people we have, personally and on the pitch, and for that, we need the right profile.'
