Napoli have been told it will be virtually impossible for them to sign Gabriel Jesus this summer under the current conditions. The Arsenal striker appears destined to leave the Premier League champions after four injury-interrupted years with the north London club.
Jesus made an instant impact upon joining the Gunners from Manchester City and played a big role in helping Mikel Arteta turn a sleeping giant into title contenders. Two serious knee injuries have derailed the 29-year-old's career, however, to the extent whereby he is effectively Arsenal's fourth choice striker behind the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino.
Agent reveals interest from Italy and Turkey
Despite not quite being the player of old, Jesus remains in high demand this summer with a number of clubs in Italy and Turkey interested in his services. Saudi Arabia, too, has been mooted as a potential destination for the Brazil international, but Napoli appeared to be the frontrunners and had identified Jesus as a potential replacement for the outgoing Romelu Lukaku.
Arsenal's desire to seek a permanent exit for Jesus, rather than accept a loan with an option to buy offer, is complicating matters as the player's agent Giovanni Branchini explained. He said: '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.'
Napoli's hopes dashed
Speaking specifically about Napoli, the agent clarified that the possibility of reaching an agreement with Arsenal is currently remote. '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 £45million-rated striker's future remains uncertain as the summer transfer window progresses, with Arsenal keen to recoup a significant fee for a player who has struggled with fitness since his move from Manchester City in 2022. Jesus scored 44 goals in 118 appearances for Arsenal, but his last two seasons have been blighted by knee problems that have limited his game time.
Napoli, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options after Lukaku's departure, may now turn their attention to alternative targets. The Serie A club had been hopeful of securing a loan deal with an option to buy, but Arsenal's insistence on a permanent transfer has created a stumbling block that appears insurmountable at this stage.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly open to offers for Jesus as they look to streamline their squad and fund moves for other targets. The Gunners have already been active in the transfer market this summer, with the club's hierarchy keen to build on their title-winning campaign under Arteta.
With the transfer window set to close in a few weeks, Jesus's future is likely to be resolved soon, with several clubs monitoring the situation closely. Whether a permanent deal can be struck remains to be seen, but Napoli have been warned not to hold their breath.
