REAL MADRID are set to launch a bid for Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus next summer, according to reports.
The Brazilian was linked with the Spanish giants in the summer, only for them to pull out of the running.
Madrid reportedly decided against the move because of an "issue with Jesus' passport".
Despite this, he remains a player that boss Carlo Ancelotti admires.
According to Goal, Jesus is on a five-man shortlist compiled by the Italian.
They claim that Ancelotti sees him as a perfect understudy, and potential successor, to Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema.
Jesus, 25, contributed to Arsenal's strong start to the season.
The former Manchester City man has scored five goals in 11 Prem outings - also laying on four assists.
Arsenal's form has them second in the table, with the possibility of leapfrogging City back into top spot if they beat Nottingham Forest this afternoon.
Also on Madrid's shortlist are Alphonso Davies, Endrick, Enzo Fernandez and Piero Hincapie.
Earlier this month, Jesus told BT Sport of the bond he already feels with Arsenal fans.
He said: "In the first days when I signed here I went to a Brazilian restaurant.
"I was waiting in my car outside, and a lot of Arsenal fans came to say welcome to the club.
"It is different at Manchester City of course. City have had a lot of impact in the last 10, 15 years. Arsenal before that had a lot. It's different, you know.
"I feel that welcome, the way they come to talk to me. They are supporting you to the end. Exactly.
"I was happy with the fans at City as well, but it's different."
JoyNg
66
Guti, "I had a lot of offers to leave Real Madrid. But I decided that it was more important to play 30 minutes at Real Madrid than 90 minutes somewhere else." ......... For Real Madrid C.F. (1995 - 2010) 🏟 Apps: 542 ⚽ Goals: 77 🅰️ Assists: 90 🏆 5× LaLiga 🏆 4× Spanish Super Cup 🏆 3× UEFA Champions League 🏆 1× UEFA Super Cup 🏆 2× Intercontinental Cup ......... One of the finest legend and an emblem of Madridismo who spent 15 years with Los Blancos. A creative playmaker who was popularly dubbed as the king of "unexpected assist" with his killer vision and through pass abilities. A versatile player who mostly played as an attacking midfielder and also deployed himself as an winger and auxiliary striker. He is kinda underappreciated considering his longevity, career stats and legacy at Real Madrid. Guti is one of the few Madridistas who played at every level with the team and have won every possible silverwares. .......... Happy Birthday José María Gutiérrez Hernández 'Guti' ❤
Musmekit
20
why are Arsenal fans for hype!? all their players are the best in the world, calm down everyone! praise your coach, he's using average and below average players to do a great job and for that I really respect him!
Gerrardourcaptain
16
Var did not help Real vardrid against girona 🤣🤣🤣
rocdmstuy
14
Real Madrid want every player they feels like they are the boss because they are the most successful club in champions league so they think they can just buy any player anyhow . Jesus is going nowhere