Gabriel Jesus is a target for Napoli this summer and the Arsenal striker's agent was reportedly spotted at the Serie A club's training ground on Friday
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus could be on his way out of Arsenal before the window closes(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Gabriel Jesus' representative has dismissed suggestions that his visit to Napoli's training ground on Friday was linked to talks over a potential move for the Arsenal forward. Jesus is entering the final 12 months of his contract and, having slipped down the pecking order after repeated injury setbacks, could leave the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal now view Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as their preferred striking options and are targeting another attacker, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez on their radar after Vinicius Junior opted to remain at Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta is understood to have approved exits for both Jesus - limited to just 14 Premier League appearances last season and Gabriel Martinelli. Jesus, now 29, has spent four years at Arsenal, and the club are keen to secure a fee rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
Napoli have expressed interest in acquiring Jesus, with Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Lucca potentially departing. Arsenal are seeking a permanent deal worth €20million (£17m), while the Italian club are hoping to negotiate a lower fee.
Jesus' agent Giovanni Branchini was seen at Napoli's training facility in Castel di Sangro on Friday, fuelling speculation that an agreement could be imminent. However, Branchini has maintained that his visit was to meet another of his clients, Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri.
"Allegri and I have been in touch, I came here today to come and visit him," Branchini told Videoinformazioni.com. "He's working hard and he's happy with everything.
"He's always had a good opinion of this team and is satisfied with the work that is being done."
When questioned about Jesus, Branchini responded: "I haven't spoken to Allegri about him."
Pressed on whether Lukaku and Lucca would need departing for Jesus to arrive, he continued: "In my line of work, the 'ifs' count for very little, not as much as they matter for you journalists. From my point of view, it's better to not talk about speculation."
Allegri will construct his forward line around Rasmus Hojlund for the 2026/27 campaign after the Danish frontman sealed a permanent £38m transfer from Manchester United following a productive loan stint. However, space exists for another attacker, with Lukaku set to depart and Lucca's prospects also unclear.
Arsenal have thus far succeeded in offloading Leandro Trossard (£17m to Besiktas), Jakub Kiwior (£14.7m to Porto), Karl Hein (£2.5m to Werder Bremen) and Christian Norgaard (£7m to Everton) this summer. Arteta recognises that moving on additional peripheral squad members will prove crucial if they are to secure a world-class forward and a centre-half to deputise for the injured William Saliba.
Jesus has endured an inconsistent spell at Arsenal, with injuries disrupting the Brazilian's progress. He has struggled to justify his £45million transfer fee from Manchester City in 2022, and his opportunities have been significantly curtailed following Gyokeres' arrival last summer.