Arsenal will not allow Gabriel Jesus to leave unless they identify a suitable replacement, complicating Napoli’s interest as a move for Julián Álvarez becomes increasingly unlikely.
Jesus has entered the final year of his contract and remains available for transfer, with Arsenal understood to value the Brazilian at around £20million.
However, the striker’s future no longer depends solely on whether Napoli can meet that valuation.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal will only sanction a Gabriel Jesus exit if a replacement, such as Álvarez, is lined up.
That position introduces another complication after ReadArsenal previously reported that Napoli required another attacking departure before advancing their interest.
🚨🔵⚪️ Napoli are aware of conditions to sign Gabriel Jesus and talks took place on club side.
Deal now depends on Napoli exits (more needed after Lukaku) and agreement on personal terms. But talks underway. 🇧🇷
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/98Ph5jDVYH pic.twitter.com/L3tfTxvSnM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2026
Gabriel Jesus exit depends on Arsenal finding replacement
Napoli have monitored Jesus throughout the summer but face significant financial obstacles.
The Standard reports that the Italian club are unlikely to meet Arsenal’s £20m asking price or match the forward’s wages.
Jesus is also understood to be settled in England, making a suitable move more difficult to arrange.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Napoli had discussed the conditions of a potential deal but required further exits before proceeding.
Arsenal have Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz available centrally, yet Mikel Arteta appears reluctant to reduce his attacking options without identifying another forward.
Álvarez remains an ambitious possibility, although completing a deal looks difficult.
ReadArsenal reported on Saturday that Álvarez had shown signs of reconsidering Arsenal, but Barcelona remains his preferred destination and Atlético Madrid continue to resist a sale.
Martinelli situation adds another Arsenal complication
Arsenal could also lose another attacker before the window closes.
Al Hilal have submitted an opening £50m offer for Gabriel Martinelli, although that proposal falls short of Arsenal’s reported £60m valuation.
Martinelli and Jesus operate in different positions, meaning their potential departures would create separate recruitment questions.
Selling both without reinforcements would leave Arteta with fewer alternatives across the frontline as Arsenal defend their Premier League title.
For now, Napoli’s interest alone will not determine Jesus’ next move. Arsenal must first establish whether they can replace him.
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