Liverpool told to make transfer raid on Arsenal for $57m ace branded 'exceptional' by Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool has been urged to make a move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus this summer. The Reds are set to bring in Arne Slot as their new head coach and former defender Glen Johnson believes Jesus would be an ideal addition.

The Brazilian joined Arsenal in a $57m (£45m/€52m) deal last summer but he has slipped down the pecking under this term at the Emirates. Jesus has made just 17 starts in the Premier League, with Kai Havertz often preferred in a central striking role by Mikel Arteta.

In fact, many of Jesus' recent substitute appearances have come on the wing and that has led to speculation about his future. The Athletic reported earlier this month that he could be sold by the Gunners this summer.

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Arsenal is on the lookout for a new No.9, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak a reported target, and Johnson believes Liverpool should be in the mix if Jesus becomes available. "I would be surprised if Arsenal does actually want to sell him because I think that would be crazy," Johnson told Betfred.

"If he does become available, either Chelsea or Liverpool should bite Arsenal's arm off. He's not going to get you 25 goals a season, but he's going to be a big part of the team and he works his socks off.

"In front of goal, he's going to score a lot of goals at a club like that where he'll get a lot of opportunities. Chelsea and Liverpool should absolutely jump at the chance."

Liverpool already has a raft of attacking options at Anfield ahead of Arne Slot's imminent arrival as head coach. The Athletic claims the Reds are already looking to add a wide attacker this summer.

Darwin Núñez has often led the line this season but his form has dipped in recent weeks and he has been replaced by Cody Gakpo. And there are doubts over the Uruguayan's future after he deleted Liverpool-related content from his social media pages.

Boss Jürgen Klopp has previously praised Jesus, telling the Liverpool ECHO: "I don’t know Gabriel on a personal basis but I always liked him as a player. He’s an exceptional player, you always saw that when he played for City. His role at City was the nine, but he can play as a winger too."

Liverpool.com says: There is no disputing Jesus' ability but he would not solve the issue that ultimately stopped Liverpool challenging for the title — scoring goals. He can't get into the Arsenal side right now and Liverpool would likely be targeting players who can come in and make a real impact.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.