Arsenal duo considered for lucrative contracts as Saudi Arabia plot summer transfer raid

Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey are reportedly being eyed for 'lucrative contracts' in Saudi Arabia, potentially providing a significant transfer boost for the Gunners.

Jesus, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £45million, has had a mixed spell in North London due to inconsistent form and injuries.

The Gunners are believed to be on the hunt for a new No. 9 this summer to bolster their attacking options, with Jesus and fellow forward Eddie Nketiah only netting nine Premier League goals between them this season.

Partey, the Ghanaian midfielder, could also be on his way out. Despite struggling with injuries for most of the season, he has started Arsenal's last three Premier League games, forming a strong partnership with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

As per Give Me Sport, both players have caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer transfer window. The Saudi Pro League is expected to continue its trend of splashing out on top-tier European talent, reports the Express.

Last summer saw high-profile players like Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Fabinho and N'Golo Kante make the move to the gulf state, and it seems more big names could follow suit this year.

Arsenal could be looking to offload Jesus and Partey in a bid to boost their transfer kitty for the summer window. Despite Jesus having three years left on his contract after this season, and Partey approaching the last year of his deal, their departures could provide significant financial leverage.

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The future of Jesus at Arsenal seems intertwined with the club's ambition to sign a new striker. The Brazilian forward, who has clinched the Premier League title four times, suggests that any queries about his position next season should be referred to the Arsenal top brass: "They already know if they want to [sign a striker] or not," Jesus remarked.

"Maybe this question is not for me but for them. My job is to try to work, train hard, improve what I have to improve and help Arsenal win games and after win trophies."

Jesus also touched on the inevitable transfer rumours that swirl around big clubs: "The speculation will always be there, not only here but every club. People want to decide who the club wants to sign. This is not just happening at Arsenal but a lot of clubs."

However, Arteta appears committed to keeping Jesus within the squad, countering the exit rumours by stating: "I don't know where reports about a Gabriel Jesus exit are coming from. We have no intention of letting Gabriel leave."