Napoli explore Gabriel Jesus deal as Arsenal seek £18m

Napoli have opened preliminary discussions over a possible move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, according to Sky Sport Italia, with the proposed transfer dependent on one of the Italian club’s attackers leaving this summer.

Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri is understood to have been a long-term admirer of the Brazil international. Allegri and Jesus also share the same agent, according to the report.

However, Napoli are not expected to make a formal move unless they first create space in their attacking squad. The club would need either Lorenzo Lucca or Romelu Lukaku to leave before progressing with plans to sign Jesus.

Lucca spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, while Lukaku is also among the forwards whose future could determine whether Napoli pursue the Arsenal player.

Sky Sports reports that Arsenal would want about £18m for Jesus. The 29-year-old is entering the final season of his contract at the London club, a factor which could influence the Premier League side’s decision over whether to sell during the current summer transfer window.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has been with the club since then. He played 14 matches for Arsenal last season, scoring three goals.

Napoli’s interest is currently at the exploratory stage, with discussions focused on whether a deal could be arranged and how the club’s attacking options might change before any formal approach is made.

The Italian side’s need to move on one of Lucca or Lukaku means the potential transfer is linked directly to activity elsewhere in their squad. Until one of those departures takes place, Napoli’s interest in Jesus is not expected to develop into an official bid.

For Arsenal, the decision comes with Jesus entering the final year of his existing agreement. Sky Sports’ reported valuation of about £18m provides an indication of the fee required to secure his transfer, although no agreement between the clubs has been reported.

Jesus remains an Arsenal player for now, while Napoli continue to assess the possibility of bringing him to Italy. Any further progress is expected to depend first on the future of Lucca or Lukaku and then on whether the two clubs can reach terms over the Brazil forward.