Arsenal could find themselves at the end of a transfer domino effect involving other London rivals, with Brazilian side Palmeiras preparing a move for Gabriel Jesus if Flaco Lopez is sold.
A report from local insider outletEspírito de Porco states Palmeiras would consider offers in the region of £34m (€40m) for Lopez in the next window. The Argentine striker has recently been linked in Brazil withTottenham, Fulham and West Ham United.
There is no formal bid on the table yet, with Tottenham the latest and strongest in the picture, but he is expected to leave after the World Cup. So, Palmeiras are already planning for that scenario behind the scenes.
The idea is clear. If Lopez leaves for that level of fee, the Brazilian side want an immediate and high-profile replacement. They do not intend to weaken their attack after a major sale.
€40m trigger and immediate response
Internally, Palmeiras view £34m (€40m) as a strategic threshold. If an offer reaches that mark, the club would seriously consider a deal.
At the same time, they believe losing Lopez without a ready-made successorwould damage their competitiveness. Therefore, financial studies and contract feasibility checks are already under way. That preparation directly impacts Arsenal.
That’s because according to Espírito de Porco, Gabriel Jesus is the priority target if Lopez departs. The 28-year-old is seen as the first name on the list.
Jesus came through Palmeiras’ academy before moving to Europe. He later played for Manchester City and is now at Arsenal, where he remains under contract. Andhe never hid his desireof playing for Palmeiras again.
Why this matters for Arsenal
If Tottenham step up with a serious offer for Lopez, Palmeiras would move quickly for Jesus. In other words, a London transfer chain could end at Arsenal’s door.
Of course, several layers still need to align. Palmeiras would have to sell first. Then they would need to assess Jesus’ contractual situation and financial viability. The player’s own stance would also be decisive.
For now, there is no official proposal for Lopez and no approach for Jesus. Still, the groundwork is in place in Brazil.
Should one of Arsenal’s London rivals trigger the £34m (€40m) mechanism, the butterfly effect could start – and Arsenal would be the final piece in that sequence.