Napoli are still looking at the prospect of signing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus before the transfer window closes on September 1, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 6).
The Brazil international was the third-choice striker behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz last season, but he has been deemed surplus to requirements this campaign.
Jesus was left out of the matchday squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City, and he suffered a similar fate against Coventry City in the Premier League opener.
Hence, the 29-year-old is no longer in the Gunners’ plans. Corriere dello Sport now claim that the former Manchester City man remains a top target to bolster the striking department at Napoli.
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri is eyeing a different type of striker compared to Rasmus Hojlund and Lorenzo Lucca, and Jesus has been identified as a genuine target for the Serie A side.
As things stand, Napoli are waiting for Noa Lang to leave before weighing up an approach.
Galatasaray have shown willingness to negotiate beyond a loan deal for the Dutchman. Napoli are prepared to sell him outright or accept a mandatory buy clause for around £21.3 million.
If a deal materialises, Napoli could turn to signing Jesus, valued at £17.1m by Arsenal.
Arsenal likely to offload Jesus before deadline
Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus are among the high-profile players who have been left out of the opening two games. This clearly indicates they do not feature in the manager’s plans.
Martinelli looks to be on his way to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal. The Gunners are close to finalising a club-record sale for the Brazilian. Personal terms have yet to be agreed upon.
Jesus, described as ‘special‘ by manager Mikel Arteta, is likewise out of favour and may move on before the window closes.
Napoli seem the most interested in his services, but they have not made an offer, with first priority on player sales.
They parted ways with Romelu Lukaku earlier this month and are now actively seeking to sell Lang. If the 27-year-old heads for the exit door, Napoli could turn their attention to purchasing Jesus.
The £17.1m price tag should not be a concern for a club as financially secure as Napoli, but Jesus would need to make a huge sacrifice in terms of weekly wages to make the switch to Naples.
Kevin De Bruyne is Napoli’s highest earner at £182,000 per week, followed by Hojlund at £152,000 weekly. Jesus, on the other hand, earns a hefty £265,000 per week at the Gunners.
Jesus may have to accept a 30-40 percent pay cut to join the Serie A giants. Otherwise, a deal is unlikely. For his current salary, he may have to wait for a late offer from a Saudi club.
The Brazilian could also see out the last year of his Gunners contract, but that would not help him at all, given he could be sidelined for a whole season without competitive football.
Stats from Capology.com