Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola would reportedly prefer to retain the services of Gabriel Jesus next season.

Helped by scoring four times in a recent game against Watford, the forward has netted 13 times in all competitions this season, many of which have come from a wide position.

However, speculation persists that the 25-year-old is ready to take on a new challenge away from the Etihad Stadium after not always being first choice.

Arsenal are known to be one of several clubs who are monitoring the situation, but it appears that the Gunners may have a tough task to tempt City into a sale.

According to ESPN, Guardiola would prefer to keep the Brazil international in his first-team squad, despite the imminent arrivals of Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

Furthermore, it is claimed that the Premier League leaders value Jesus at £55m, an asking price which may put off a number of his admirers.

With Jesus only having a year remaining on his contract, City may have to be open to reaching a compromise if Jesus does not change his stance regarding his future. body check tags ::