Napoli pursue Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus as Lukaku departs

Napoli considered Gabriel Jesus as a potential addition to their attack, with the Arsenal forward being the latest player linked with a move to Serie A. According to calciomercato.com, Massimiliano Allegri planned to build his frontline around Rasmus Højlund, but with Romelu Lukaku’s position now untenable and Lorenzo Lucca lacking guarantees, the club weighed a statement signing behind him, and Jesus fit the bill. Corriere dello Sport added that the interest was genuine, with the Brazilian said to have opened to a fresh challenge away from the Premier League; Arsenal valued him at around €20m, though Napoli hoped the player’s willingness could help them negotiate better terms.

To make room for Gabriel Jesus, both Lukaku, a confirmed target for Atlanta United in MLS, and Lucca needed to move on. Napoli faced key issues regarding structure and space for the team. Citing Fabrizio Romano, calciomercato.com reported that a deal was more feasible on a permanent basis, since a loan would require Arsenal to extend a contract that expired in 2027. Gabriel Jesus had recently come under the same agency that represented Allegri, a connection that could facilitate the transfer and one that also saw him considered by Milan in January.