AC Milan Confident of Beating Newcastle to Arsenal Striker Gabriel Jesus

AC Milan are confident they can fend off interest from Newcastle United to land top target Gabriel Jesus, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Milan have been long-term admirers of the Arsenal striker and are ready to pursue a move for the Brazilian international this summer, sources have been told. 

Jesus has failed to hit expectations since his move from Manchester City to the Emirates in 2022.

It is understood Mikel Arteta is happy to allow the 29-year-old, who would be a free agent next year, to leave North London this summer.

Milan, who were interested in the striker last summer and during the mid-season window, remains the most likely destination according to sources.

But it is understood Newcastle have emerged as a late contender as the season draws to a close.

The Magpies, who are also interested in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, have struggled in front of goal this season after Alexander Isak’s mega-money move to Liverpool last summer.

Summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, signed for a combined £120 million have netted just eight Premier League goals between them with Champions League standout Anthony Gordon, who is tipped for a big-money move away this summer, preferred to lead the line at times this season.

But Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who has made Jesus his top target following extensive talks with the club’s board over the summer transfer window, believes the lure of European football will be enough to convince Jesus to trade England for Italy.

Down The Pecking Order

Behind Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres, Jesus has made just 12 appearances in the Premier League this term and scored twice.

During his Arsenal career he has netted 31 times in 121 games, with 20 of those strikes coming in the league.

During his six-season stay at Manchester City, where he scored 95 times in 236 games, Jesus won four Premier Leagues, three League Cups and an FA Cup.