Sources: Arsenal open talks to sign Gabriel Jesus as he tells friends his plans

Arsenal have opened talks over signing Man City striker Gabriel Jesus, Football Insider understands.

The Gunners have made contact with the Premier League champions as they look to secure an early-summer deal.

An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that they are increasingly confident of tying up a deal for Jesus, 25, after making some progress during initial negotiations.

It is believed the City star has told friends he is eager to link up again with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and be the premier striker in his improving team.

Arsenal are in the market for a proven, powerful centre-forward under the age of 25 amid doubts over the futures of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

The Londoners have set aside more than £45million to give Arteta the striker he craves in the upcoming window.

Arsenal have also considered moves for Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Man United’s Marcus Rashford.

But they have been put off by Calvert-Lewin’s injury troubles and there will be great difficult in persuading United to sell homegrown star Rashford.

By contrast, City could have little option but to cash in on Jesus this summer now he is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

The forward is a key player in Pep Guardiola’s squad but they have just signed Erling Haaland and that will have a dramatic effect on the Brazilian’s potential game time next season.

He has been used in wide roles as well as in his favourite centre-forward position at City this season.

Despite his 41 appearances in all competitions, which yielded 13 goals and 12 assists, he is not a nailed-on starter.

Jesus has scored 95 goals in 236 matches for City since signing in January 2017.