Arsenal Transfer News: Gabriel Jesus Talks Imminent, Jese Rodriguez Rumours Grow

Attacking recruits look to be on the horizon for Arsenal after it emerged representatives are set for talks with Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus and the club have also been offered first refusal on Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez.

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato24, the Gunners are poised for discussions with Gabriel's agent after he helped Palmeiras triumph in the 2015 Copa do Brasil earlier in December (h/t Daily Star's Marc Williams). 

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The 18-year-old started in both legs of Palmeiras' final victory over Santos to cap off a hugely successful year, during which he netted four goals in 20 Brasileiro Serie A appearances.

Sky Sports' South American correspondent Paulo Freitas has put Gabriel on a similar footing with compatriot Gabigol when it comes to potential, which is high praise in itself:

The Gunners need reinforcements this winter after struggling during the injury absences of Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott, with Alexis Sanchez among the latest to join the list of sidelined stars.

Cutting a deal for Brazil under-20 international Gabriel may be deemed easier than pursuing European talent owing to the fact his domestic season is now over, not to mention he wouldn't be cup-tied in the Champions League.

Securing a work permit for the winger may be a concern considering he's played only a handful of games for Brazil's youth teams, but Arsenal appear to be confident after allegedly flying out for negotiations.

No mention is made regarding price for a player who scored 37 goals in 22 games for Palmeiras' youth last season, according to Metro's Jamie Sanderson, and he looks to be the latest prodigious talent in Arsene Wenger's sights.

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The Arsenal manager could also be closing on a deal for Real Madrid's Jese after Spanish magazine Don Balon claimed Los Merengues are willing to give the Gunners first refusal on his transfer (h/t Daily Star's Luke Gardener).

The 22-year-old was playing with a huge amount of confidence prior to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2014, but Jese responded to the blow with maturity, with FourFourTwo's David Cartlidge quoting the Spaniard: “I had a very tough time, but I think that things in life happen for a reason. Maybe I had the injury because I needed to learn and become a more mature footballer.”

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Jese has made only four La Liga starts under manager Rafa Benitez this season and is struggling to earn his place in the team ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco.

Arsenal would be better equipped to offer the attacker first-team playing time, and Cartlidge has proclaimed the Spaniard can still be a hit at the top level:

Those chances aren't likely to come at the Santiago Bernabeu, or at least not so long as Ronaldo and Bale remain in their near-undroppable capacities.

Real's gain could prove to be Arsenal's gain, however, but the £20 million asking price attached to his signature may require some negotiating from the Gunners' point of view.