Napoli’s agreement to sell Romelu Lukaku could have significant implications for Gabriel Jesus, with the player’s agent confirming the interest from Italy in his client.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Fenerbahce have agreed a deal to sign Romelu Lukaku from Napoli, with a verbal agreement reached after the Turkish club submitted their latest bid of over €6m.
Lukaku has already agreed personal terms, so only the paperwork is remaining before the transfer can go ahead.
This is significant news for Arsenal, as widespread reports had suggested that Napoli’s potential move for Gabriel Jesus was contingent on the club selling Lukaku first. Now that Lukaku’s exit is agreed, the expectation is that they’ll submit a bid to the Gunners.
Jesus’ agent has been speaking to the media over the last few days, confirming that there’s been interest from Italy and Turkey. The player has apparently ruled out a move to Turkey, putting the interested Serie A clubs at the front of the queue.
“For several months, many clubs have been sounding out the player’s situation to understand Arsenal‘s intentions, numbers and expectations,” Giovanni Branchini said.
“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.
“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.”
On Napoli specifically, Branchini suggested they might be ‘dreaming’ of a move, though he added: “[It’s] possible under certain conditions that don’t exist at this stage.”
One of those conditions was presumably Napoli needing to sell Lukaku, a condition which is seemingly now set to be fulfilled. Though the price could be another issue, with Arsenal reportedly asking for €20m (£17.1m) but Napoli wanting to pay less.
If the Italian club are truly interested in a deal, expect the rumours to pick up pace now.
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