Days ago, it appeared that Gabriel Jesus’ move to Napoli was certainly off because he did not want to join the Italian club, even though he knows he could struggle for regular playing time at Arsenal if he stays. The Brazilian almost did not play for the Gunners during the final weeks of last season, and with a year left on his contract, leaving now could be a sensible option.
Not many clubs have shown interest in the former Manchester City man, but Napoli have been considering a move for him after selling Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian’s departure has created an opportunity for them to sign another striker, and Jesus is the player they have chosen to strengthen their squad.
Napoli Revive Interest in Jesus
Jesus’ representatives held talks with the Italian club, but negotiations then stalled, leading to speculation that the striker did not want to move to Napoli. However, the situation has changed again, with the possibility of a transfer now back on the table.
Napoli still see Jesus as an option who could strengthen their attack, while the player faces an uncertain future at Arsenal. His limited involvement towards the end of last season and his contract situation could make a move increasingly important before the transfer window closes.
Late Approach Could Be Made
According to Football Italia, Jesus could still join Napoli before the transfer window closes, with the Italian club planning to make a late approach for the striker. However, they first need to complete another sale before they can create room in their squad for him.
Napoli are currently working on selling at least one more player from their squad to make space for Jesus. If they manage to complete that departure, they could then make their approach for the Arsenal forward.
The situation leaves Jesus with a potential route away from Arsenal despite the earlier belief that a move to Italy had collapsed. Napoli’s interest remains dependent on their ability to create space within their squad, while Jesus would also need to agree to the move.
For Arsenal, his departure would resolve the uncertainty surrounding a player who could struggle for opportunities if he remains at the club. With only a year remaining on his contract, the coming days could therefore prove important for the Brazilian’s future.
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If we sell Martinelli and don’t manage to bring someone in, it may be best holding on to Jesus to take some strain off Tzolis on the left.
Noni and Saka can cover there, but are usually needed elsewhere (potentially Nwaneri if not loaned and Dowman could fill the resulting gap). Eze too, but he’s much better centrally and may be needed as cover or rotation for Odegaard. None of Havertz or Gyokeres are suited to playing wide like Jesus is.
So the fear is we are 2-3 (almost) inevitable injuries away from having Calafiori (if available) play left wing if Martinelli and Jesus go without replacement. Not that it wouldn’t be fun to see, but it’s an unnecessary risk at a point where the squad ticks almost all of the boxes.
Excellent comment Ian. I have been curious as to what the plan has been if Martinelli does in fact leave. It almost seems that there may be a mystery man out there, which the press hasn’t picked up on yet, who has been in Berta’s backup plan all along. Interesting last days upcoming as always.
Jesus offers absolutely nothing to Arsenal except a huge wage bill.He’s prone to.injury and has added little to nothing in attack when played in pre-Season and during his periods of availability at the end of last season.
Any team looking at his potential transfer should only be asked to pay a nominal fee.Unfortunately he’s now certainly surplus to requirement and any move would be saving the Club over £10m in salary during the last year of his contract.
Amongst the things that surely won’t happen in today’s UCL fixtures draw is Arsenal will not face Inter Milan away due to new UEFA regulations. If Arsenal is paired with Inter it will deffo be played at Emirates