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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.

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images

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.

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

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.

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring their team's secons goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

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.

BRUGES, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 10: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal prays at full-time following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Club Brugge KV and Arsenal FC at Jan Breydelstadion on December 10, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
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