Gabriel Jesus Reportedly Close to Agreeing New Manchester City Contract

Manchester City and Gabriel Jesus are reportedly close to reaching an agreement over a new contract. 

According to ESPN Brasil (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), while the two parties have taken longer than expected to settle on terms, there is no desire on the part of Jesus to leave Manchester, nor are City concerned that he might depart.

It's reported City have offered Jesus a new wage of £90,000 a week to extend his deal, but the player wants his salary to be £100,000.

"Just like other outlets, ESPN reckons that an agreement hasn't been found yet because Jesus is focused on the important games that are to come, both for the Champions League as for the World Cup," noted Sposito. "But it seems it won't take much effort for City to tie the Brazilian wonderkid with a new deal."

Jesus has been a huge hit since arriving at City in the 2017 January transfer window, quickly taking to Premier League football. As noted by Sporf, he's made rapid progress in recent years:

This season injury issues have prevented him from featuring as often as he would've liked in City's memorable term, although there have still been many moments to savour from the 20-year-old sensation.

He's featured in 21 Premier League games this season, starting 13, netting eight goals and laying on three assists. The youngster plays with a flair and fun that makes him so enjoyable to watch.

Despite only being at City for just over a year, the urgency to extend his contract is understandable at the Etihad, with Jesus making much quicker progress than many anticipated. As noted by Sky Sports Statto recently, he's proved to be a big positive influence on this City side:

Although Sergio Aguero remains a remarkable finisher and a tremendous focal point for Pep Guardiola's side, Jesus is set to be the man that'll lead the City line for years to come.

In addition to the flicks, tricks, goals and assists, Jesus has a tactical intelligence that extends beyond his tender years. Additionally, he is versatile in where he can be deployed on the field and when he is pushed high up, is so hard-working in the way he presses the opposition.

World Soccer Talk's Kartik Krishnaiyer believes City are at their best with the Brazilian operating as a No. 9:

After so much progress in recent years, it's easy to forget just how early Jesus is in his career. Alongside the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, there's an extremely bright attacking future for the sky-blue side.

City may have to wait until after the FIFA World Cup before totally securing the long-term future of their No. 33. But as things stand, it doesn't appear as though City supporters have much to worry about in respect of the forward.