Ipswich Town have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus (Image: PA)
Ipswich Town have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus (Image: PA)
Ipswich Town have reportedly 'shown interest' in signing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus.
Spanish news outlet Diario AS claim that the Blues are one of the teams tracking the 29-year-old, who featured for the Gunners in pre-season but wasn't named in Mikel Arteta's squad for their Community Shield victory against Manchester City.
As a result, it looks like Jesus will be on the move before the transfer window closes, with Everton and Ipswich said to have contacted Arsenal about a potential move.
Serie A giants Napoli held talks to sign him as they look to find a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who joined Fenerbahce last week.
However, nothing materialised, with Jesus apparently preferring to stay in England as he bids to become the highest-scoring Brazilian in the Premier League - now just three behind Roberto Firmino.
The 64-cap former Brazil international came through the ranks at Palmeiras before joining Manchester City in 2017 for £27m, then making the move to Arsenal five years later for a £45m fee.
The Brazilian is expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer (Image: PA)
He has notched 79 goals and 40 assists in 243 Premier League games. However, he made just 14 top-flight appearances last season, three of which game as starts, scoring three goals in 421 minutes on the pitch.
Join us! Subscribe to KOA for £2 for two months, or £29 for the whole year!
Ipswich are on the hunt for a more experienced striker to support 22-year-old Emersonn, who is currently the club's first choice up top. The no.9 shirt is now vacant for a potential signing, with George Hirst expected to join Stoke City.
Alex's verdict
Town are highly ambitious this summer. We've seen it with the business they have done so far, as well as their interest in World Cup winning midfielder Exequiel Palacios.
I think this one is probably a bridge too far, if the interest is genuine.
Agreeing a deal with Arsenal is one thing, but agreeing terms with Jesus and convincing him to move to Suffolk is another. His reported wages at the Emirates Stadium are much, much higher than what Ipswich would be able to offer, and I'd imagine that established Premier League sides will be preferred.
If the Gunners sanction a loan exit and cover some of his wages, maybe there's a deal to be done. Otherwise, I think this deal is a bit too ambitious.
Stranger things have happened, however.