Arsenal transfer deal moves one step closer after official announcement

Arsenal frontman Gabriel Jesus could be edging closer to a move to Napoli after the Italian side raised funds via the sale of Romelu Lukaku, who has headed to Turkey

Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus could be edging closer to the exit door after Napoli were able to offload Romelu Lukaku - leaving them free to pursue the Brazilian.

Jesus has been at the Emirates since 2022 but has slipped down the pecking order and is about to enter the final year of his deal. Jesus has been a worthy contributor, but hasn't provided the goals that the team has been seeking.

Mikel Arteta has signed Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, who can both lead the line, and remains in the market for more firepower. It leaves Jesus free to leave if he can find a club and the Italians could offer him a route out of north London.

Jesus has been playing in the Premier League since leaving his boyhood club Palmeiras, but a move to Napoli could see him continue to fight for titles with new boss Max Allegri eyeing up new recruits.

The outfit from Naples have undergone a reshuffle which saw Antonio Conte leave after two seasons at the helm and now Lukaku has been moved on, joining Turkish side Fenerbahce. The ex-Chelsea man had helped Napoli win Serie A in 2025 but was deemed surplus to requirements.

The club still need to raise further funds, but Lukaku's exit provides a welcome boost with Arsenal seeking between £18million - £20m if they are to let Jesus leave, reports Sky Sports.

Napoli have just made their move for Rasmus Hojlund permanent after he spent last year on loan at the club. They also boast Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay, who was named the best player in Serie A the year before last.

Jesus returned to Arsenal action at the end of 2025 after spending nearly 12 months on the sidelines due to an ACL injury he sustained in an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. That meant he went 332 days without playing for the Gunners.

Arteta refused to entertain his exit back in January and claimed: "A player of his quality, a player who has given us so much and when he comes with the energy he did the other day, he is certainly a player who has to be pushing and aiming [to start], that's for sure."

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