Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to an Arsenal exit after Napoli sold Romelu Lukaku to Fenerbahce, clearing the way for the Italians to pursue the Brazilian forward.
Jesus has been at the Emirates since 2022 but has fallen down the pecking order and is entering the final year of his deal. He has contributed but not provided the goals the team has sought, and Mikel Arteta has signed Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, both capable of leading the line, while remaining in the market for more firepower.
Napoli's reshuffle opens door
Napoli have undergone a reshuffle, with Antonio Conte leaving after two seasons and Lukaku moved on to Turkish side Fenerbahce. The former Chelsea man had helped Napoli win Serie A in 2025 but was deemed surplus to requirements. The club still need to raise funds, but Lukaku's exit provides a boost, with Arsenal seeking between £18m and £20m for Jesus, according to Sky Sports.
Napoli have also made Rasmus Hojlund's move permanent after a loan spell, and they boast Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay, who was named Serie A's best player two seasons ago.
Jesus's injury comeback
Jesus returned to Arsenal action at the end of 2025 after nearly 12 months out with an ACL injury sustained in an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, a spell that left him 332 days without playing for the Gunners. In January, Arteta refused to entertain his exit, saying: "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."
