Arsenal in talks with Napoli over striker exit

Gabriel Jesus has approved a potential move to Napoli, and the Serie A club are holding talks with Arsenal over a potential deal.

Reports broke last week that Napoli are trying to sign Gabriel Jesus, with the Serie A club holding a ‘very strong’ interest in the Arsenal striker.

With that in mind, Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Jesus is open to the transfer, that Arsenal will only consider a permanent deal, and that there are other clubs in the race.

Romano added that Napoli need Romelu Lukaku to leave before they can bid for Jesus.

Jorge Nicola reports that Napoli are indeed the most interested club in signing Jesus, with Arsenal asking for €20m (£17.1m), but Napoli hoping to pay a slightly lower fee. The two clubs are reportedly in ongoing talks.

Nicola adds that whilst Palmeiras hold a genuine interest in Jesus, the player is still two or three years away from deciding to return to Brazil.

Italian outlet Gazzetta claim Jesus has given his approval to the Napoli move, but the deal is directly linked to Lukaku, and he won’t wait forever.

Ryan Taylor confirms for the Mirror that if Napoli can find a buyer for Lukaku, they’ll bid for Jesus. The same source adds that whilst Jesus’ valuation was initially set at £20m, offers upwards of £15m would likely be considered.

With Lukaku’s situation so pivotal to the situation, it’s worth noting that Fabrizio Romano reports the player is edging closer to a move to Fenerbahce.

Lukaku has already reached an agreement with Fenerbahce over personal terms, and talks are also advancing on the club side. Fenerbahce’s opening €6m bid was rejected, but a new proposal is being sent and an agreement is close.

Should that agreement be found, Napoli’s bid for Jesus may soon follow.

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