Talks have been held as Arsenal close in on the £25million striker with the club ready to sell

Arsenal have held talks with representatives of the potential bargain striker, and his club are believed to be ready to sell before the January transfer window on February 3.

Arsenal are targeting new centre-forward Mikel Arteta

Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for an extended period after tearing his ACL against Man United in the FA Cup, prompting the club’s plans to bring in a prolific new centre-forward.

Jesus, who has made serious strides with six goals in seven games, will be a big miss for the manager Mikel Arteta – who is now working with interim sporting director Jason Ayta on a possible solution to Arsenal’s lack of strikers.

Arsenal made a very public attempt to sign Benjamin Cesko from RB Leipzig last summer, so their pursuit of a striker is nothing new. However, Jesus’ injury has now left Arteta with just Kai Havertz as his only striking option – making the need for another body all the more urgent.

Arsenal could make another move for Sesko this month, according to various reports, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres and Wolves sensation Matheus Cunha all rumored to be targets Premier League title hopes.

Given the sheer quality of these names, it’s no surprise that they’re all likely to command a premium transfer fee. Trusted reporter Ben Jacobs even reported earlier this week that Wolves value Cunha at around £80 millionso Arsenal should make him their second most expensive signing behind Declan Rice.

Additionally, Arsenal have their eye on another Brazilian striker who could prove far cheaper – Botafogo ace Igor Jesus.

Arsenal are closing in on Igor Jesus with Botafogo open to a January sale

As again according to Jacobs, in the text for TEAMtalk, Arsenal have approached Jesus’ agents for initial talksand Botafogo are believed to be ready to sell him this month during Brasileiro’s off-season.

The 23-year-old, who made his first appearances for the Brazilian national team at the end of last year, has been prolific in the United Arab Emirates with Shabab Al-Ahli – scoring 34 goals and registering a further 16 assists in all competitions.

He has impressed since joining Botafogo from the Middle Eastern side and his performances have caught the attention of Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options.

What’s more, Botafogo could be sold for as little as £25m, making him a far wiser potential signing than the vast majority of Arteta’s reported targets. Diario As reporter Eduardo Burgos also shared the news that Arsenal joined the race for Jesusso this is a story that is gaining traction and definitely worth following.