Arsenal latest: Gabriel Jesus reveals Eberechi Eze talks as star urged to snub transfer

Gabriel Jesus shed light on what he has been talking to Eberechi Eze about behind the scenes

Arsenal's long run of cup fixtures continues this week in the wake of their FA Cup quarter-final clash with Southampton.

Following Saturday's trip to St Mary's, the Gunners now turn their attention towards the Champions League. Mikel Arteta will be quietly optimistic regarding his team's prospects of overcoming Sporting CP in the competition's quarter-finals, having secured a favourable draw.

Yet, they still have to deliver a strong performance during Tuesday's away leg in Lisbon to prevent another cup elimination, having been defeated in the Carabao Cup final before the recent international break.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Arsenal's 2-0 victory against Everton in March was their sole Premier League outing across their previous six matches, with the Gunners enjoying an extended break from the demands of pursuing a first league title since 2004.

The north London side currently lead the table by nine points, albeit with a game in hand over Manchester City and a tantalising fixture at the Etihad Stadium still left to play. football.london now examines two of the latest developments concerning the league leaders.

Jesus 'p***es off' Eze

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has admitted that he may have "p***ed off" Eberechi Eze with his relentless tactical guidance. Eze has endured a somewhat disappointing season since sealing a dream move to his boyhood club last summer, despite enjoying thrilling highs such as his five goals against Tottenham and spectacular goals against Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace and Mansfield Town.

The former Palace talisman has also struggled for consistency, enduring lengthy spells without a goal contribution and tending to fade during matches. Eze's experienced team-mate, Jesus, has recently tried to help the England midfielder by constantly encouraging him to demand the ball more in matches and training sessions, so he can have a greater impact.

Jesus joked that Eze is likely annoyed with him as a result. The Brazilian said on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel: "Ebs is the one that, I think, last two-three weeks, he is a little bit p***ed off with me maybe, in a good way.

"Because I tell him all the time, 'Look, you have to have the ball at your feet at least 20 times per game. Tell people, scream. If they don't pass to you, tell him to pass.'

"And not to drop in there (number six role). This is a holding midfielder's role, to build and give the ball to the attacking players. I keep saying to him every day now. Before the game, I say, 'I'm counting now.'

"Because he is that good, you know? When you see someone who is so good, and you see him not having an impact or doing well, you want to help."

Julian Alvarez verdict given

Pundit Ally McCoist believes Chelsea represent a more suitable destination for Julian Alvarez than Arsenal this summer. The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Atletico Madrid striker in recent months.

The Argentine has registered 17 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, catching the eye of several of Europe's elite clubs. Arsenal are thought to be keen on landing Alvarez, though they may baulk at the £129million valuation Atletico have placed on the 26-year-old, especially having already splashed £64m on Viktor Gyokeres last summer.

McCoist thinks the competition from Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz could mean fewer minutes for Alvarez at the Emirates Stadium than if he joined rivals Chelsea, who are also pursuing the former Manchester City forward.

He told talkSPORT Bet Casino: "Oh, without a doubt. I think he's got a better chance of playing more regularly at Chelsea, to tell you the truth, than he would at Arsenal. The squad at Arsenal is phenomenal. They're playing Kai Havertz, sometimes as a false nine, Gabriel Jesus is through the middle and Leandro Trossard has played there.

"Alvarez is a real talent. As I say, it would surprise me to see him coming back. But in terms of where he went, I think he'd probably get more game time. And you know something? Chelsea might appeal to him because they are a young side with a lot of potential.

"If he came to Arsenal, they still haven't got over the line at this moment in time. I think they will and I think they will in a couple of years, but it's a big six weeks coming up for Arsenal, there's no doubt.

"You look at the size of Arsenal's squad, it's absolutely massive. So, he's probably got a better chance of getting more regular playing time with Chelsea."