Gabriel Jesus' agent has claimed that Chelsea made a late move to try and snatch the Brazilian away from new club Arsenal, according to reports.
The Gunners landed top transfer target Jesus for £45million from Manchester City earlier this month, filling a clear void at centre-forward ahead of next season.
Jesus has hit the ground running since arriving in north London, scoring twice in his opening pre-season friendly against Nurnberg last week.
But it seems Chelsea made a late swoop for the striker in the 'final days' leading up to his Emirates arrival.
Jesus' agent Marcelo Pettinati told journalist Freddie Paxton: 'Chelsea were one of the teams that tried to hijack the Arsenal move.
'They tried very hard in the final days to get him. By that point, we'd already chosen our new project.'
A key factor in the Brazil star's decision was teaming up with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who had previously worked alongside the 25-year-old as assistant manager at the Etihad.
Upon his arrival, Jesus told Arsenal's club website: ‘We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future.
‘I believe 100 per cent in Mikel. I had a very good time with him before, he’s a very good guy and a very good coach as well.'
Chelsea have since landed Jesus' former Etihad team-mate Raheem Sterling for £47.5m and are in talks with Manchester City over the availability of centre-back Nathan Ake.
