Gabriel Jesus could be edging towards an Arsenal exit, with Napoli among the clubs showing interest in the striker amid Romelu Lukaku's imminent departure from the Serie A club
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus could depart Arsenal before the transfer window closes(Image: George Tewkesbury/Shutterstock)
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Romelu Lukaku's imminent move from Napoli to Fenerbahce could open the door for Gabriel Jesus to leave before the transfer window closes. Jesus' agent, Giovanni Branchini, has already revealed that up to four Italian clubs are interested in the Arsenal striker.
football.london understands Besiktas are also admirers of the Brazilian, but for now Jesus is keen to remain in one of Europe's top‑five leagues - which is where Napoli come into play. The Serie A side are believed to be among those monitoring him, although Branchini has dismissed suggestions that direct talks have already taken place.
But that could soon change with Lukaku now on the verge of completing a €6m (£5m) move plus add‑ons to Turkey. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the 33‑year‑old has already passed his medical, and the two clubs are currently exchanging the final transfer documents to conclude the deal.
With all major hurdles cleared, only the formal administrative steps remain before the move is officially confirmed. Former Chelsea striker Lukaku is understood to have agreed a contract worth €10m (£9m) per season.
Gazzetta dello Sport have also reported that Lukaku’s departure will give Napoli the financial room needed to pursue Jesus, although the club may also look to move on Lorenzo Lucca to further streamline their attacking options.
Speculation around Jesus' future intensified further after Branchini was spotted visiting Napoli's training camp last week. However, he was there to see boss Massimiliano Allegri and help a close colleague handle Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's contract discussions with the Serie A outfit.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Branchini clarified: "My trip wasn't related to Gabriel Jesus, but to other issues that I think you've identified. For several months, many clubs have been sounding out the player's situation to understand Arsenal's intentions, numbers and expectations.
"I've had three Italian clubs approach me, and a potential fourth had expressed interest at a time when they seemed on the verge of selling an important striker in the squad. They had the possibility of trying the Gabriel card in their head. This is the reality. And I can add that apart from a couple of Turkish clubs, rejected because they weren't interested in going to Turkey, there haven't been any other significant negotiations."
He added, clarifying on Napoli: "We've never spoken about this situation: there's never been any negotiations and consequently there couldn't have been an okay from us or the player.
"Dreaming, possibly, is possible under certain conditions that don't exist at this stage. And to say otherwise is inappropriate for Napoli and for Gabriel Jesus."
The versatile attacker, who can also operate out wide, is available for transfer and valued at up to £20million. However, it is hard to see the Premier League champions receiving that figure given Jesus will be free to discuss a pre‑contract agreement in the New Year when he enters the final months of his deal at the Emirates.