Napoli target Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus after Romelu Lukaku exit
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a move to Napoli after the Italian club raised funds by selling Romelu Lukaku to Fenerbahce.
The Brazilian international has slipped down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium and is preparing to enter the final year of his current contract.
Mikel Arteta’s recent acquisitions of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have left the former Palmeiras youngster free to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
The Gunners are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £18m to £20m to part ways with the versatile attacker.
Napoli rebuild under Allegri
The outfit from Naples are undergoing a significant squad reshuffle following the departure of manager Antonio Conte.
New boss Max Allegri is keen to bolster his attacking options after Lukaku, who helped the side secure the 2025 Serie A title, was deemed surplus to requirements.
Jesus would join a star-studded dressing room in Italy that recently secured a permanent deal for Rasmus Hojlund.
The Serie A contenders also boast international talents such as Kevin De Bruyne and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
Overcoming long-term injury
A potential transfer represents a fresh start for the four-time Premier League champion following a gruelling recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The severe knee injury, sustained during an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, sidelined him for 332 days before his return to action in late 2025.
Despite his impending exit, his current manager previously highlighted the striker’s enduring value to the north London club during the January window.
“A player of his quality, a player who has given us so much and when he comes with the energy he did the other day, he is certainly a player who has to be pushing and aiming to start, that’s for sure.”