Arsenal have suffered a blow in their chase of Gabriel Jesus as Manchester City have slapped a £55m price-tag on their Brazilian forward.
The Gunners are in the hunt for two strikers this summer, and had made Jesus their priority owing to the 25-year-old having just one year left on his current contract, as well as the imminent arrival of Erling Haaland in Manchester.
However, as per ESPN, they have been shocked by the massive valuation that Mikel Arteta's former side have placed on the Brazilian, in part thought to be an attempt to recoup the Haaland transfer fee.
'Initial contact has now been made between the two clubs and sources have told ESPN that Arsenal have baulked at City's valuation given he only has one year left on his contract', James Olley claims.
Valued at £45m by transfermarkt, such demands for a player that the Cityzens would otherwise lose for free next summer seems more of an opening gambit than a hard and fast valuation.
Alternatives explored
However, this has not stopped the Gunners exploring alternative possibilities, with Paulo Dybala one of the names on the list. The Argentine is out of contract at Juventus this summer, and is yet to decide on a new club.
And ESPN claim that Arsenal are one of a number of interested parties.
'Arsenal are looking at other options including Paulo Dybala, who will leave Juventus on a free transfer at the end of the season', they report.
'Arsenal have made contact with Dybala's representatives to find out what personal terms the player is seeking.'
Given the Gunners' clear need for forward reinforcements, being held to ransom to extort a higher transfer fee is perhaps something they may have to get used to this summer.