Manchester City are considering parting ways with striker Gabriel Jesus in the summer to raise money for a squad overhaul.
The 22-year-old has managed 56 goals in 124 appearances for the club, but has struggled greatly to displace Sergio Agüero in the starting lineup at the Etihad Stadium. As a result, rumours of a potential move away from the club have never been hard to find.
As noted by The Athletic, manager Pep Guardiola has long had his doubts over whether Jesus has what it takes to make it as City's first-choice striker, and the Brazilian could be moved on in the summer if the right bid comes along.
In early 2019, City began searching for a new high-profile striker to compete with Agüero, and they were prepared to finance that deal by selling Jesus to the highest bidder. That obviously did not happen, but City are understood to be considering something similar now.
Given the Cityzens' hugely disappointing season so far, they are aware that their squad could do with an overhaul in the summer. Several of their stars are ageing or on expiring deals, so City could look to recruit a number of players by parting ways with Jesus.
Both he and Leroy Sané are seen as likely departures as the two players will be able to raise a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to rejuvenate the squad.
Bayern Munich are thought to be keen on both, but they would likely only want to sign one, given the enormous cost of both deals.
There would likely be plenty of interest in Jesus, who is still seen as one of the most exciting young strikers around. He as a fantastic goalscoring record considering he has often been stuck behind Agüero in the pecking order at the Etihad.
However, City's need to overhaul the squad is clear. They have fallen 14 points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand as well, and there is no guarantee that City will even be able to finish second.
If they want money, selling Jesus certainly makes sense. It will likely come down to whether City can find a suitable replacement, or whether Jesus himself decides he is done waiting for first-team opportunities.
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Source :
90min
