Italian champions continue to prioritise Gabriel Jesus, but Arsenal’s valuation, player wage demands and Napoli’s own transfer plans remain significant obstacles.
Gabriel Jesus remains firmly on Napoli‘s radar, but the Italian champions are discovering that admiring the Arsenal forward is one thing, finding the money to sign him is quite another.
Napoli still regard Jesus as their preferred attacking target, yet with Arsenal’s valuation, the striker’s salary demands and the club’s own transfer priorities all presenting obstacles, any move appears some way from becoming reality.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian champions continue to view the Arsenal forward as their preferred attacking signing.
However, the report says a deal is proving difficult because of the overall cost involved.
Arsenal are said to want around €20 million for the Brazil international, while Napoli would also need to offer wages of around €6 million per season.
Even then, the report suggests that package may not be enough to convince Jesus to move.
Napoli are also said to be concentrating on strengthening in defence before turning their full attention to attacking reinforcements. The club are working to complete deals for Costantino Favasuli and Benoît Badiashile, with further spending likely to depend on player sales.
One potential source of funds is Noa Lang, who Napoli reportedly value at around €25 million, while Lorenzo Lucca is also available.
The report also claims there is competition from other clubs for Jesus, although no names are mentioned.
Speculation naturally intensified after Jesus was omitted from Arsenal’s 20-man Community Shield squad for the 3-0 victory over Manchester City, despite being fit and featuring against Como in midweek.
However, Mikel Arteta dismissed suggestions that the decision was linked to an imminent transfer. The Arsenal manager explained it was purely a selection issue, pointing out that only 11 starters and nine substitutes could be named.
Arteta described it as “really sad” that Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri all missed out despite deserving places in the squad, while reiterating that both Jesus and Martinelli remain important members of his plans.
Still, no-one really expects the 29-year-old to be at Arsenal when the window closes.
Jesus has made 123 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Manchester City in July 2022, scoring 32 goals across all competitions, with 22 assists.
Recurring fitness problems have reduced his influence in recent campaigns and his role has increasingly become that of a squad player.
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