Juventus have earmarked Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus as a possible transfer target as they seek to replace Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.
The Bianconeri recently confirmed that Vlahovic won’t be extending his contract beyond June 30. They have started the search for a replacement and are considering various candidates.
Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth is the prime target for the Serie A outfit, but they have yet to secure a suitable agreement with Diego Simeone’s side for the Norwegian ace.
Jesus is one of the alternatives alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.
The Bianconeri could also pursue a second striker, with Lois Openda touted to leave after failing to make his mark.
Arsenal likely to stand firm on price tag
Jesus returned from a lengthy knee injury in December last year and played a meaningful role for the Gunners.
The 29-year-old, hailed as ‘special‘ by manager Mikel Arteta, registered six goals and two assists from under 1,000 minutes.
The Brazilian barely played during the final weeks of last season, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres preferred over him.
It is quite clear that he is the third-choice striker in the squad, but Arsenal are quite clear that he won’t leave on the cheap.
A £20 million asking price has been set, and the club plan to stay firm on the valuation.
Jesus is not pushing for a move elsewhere and seems prepared to see out his contract (June 2027) if no suitable offer arrives this summer.
We believe the club should keep Jesus as a backup striker next term if they don’t receive at least £15m for the Brazil international.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com