Arsenal have reportedly received contact from Everton and Ipswich Town over Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian forward’s potential Emirates exit takes a significant turn.
Jesus has been facing an uncertain future following Arsenal’s attacking reshuffle, with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz now ahead of him in the battle for central minutes.
Spanish outlet AS reported late on Wednesday that Everton and newly-promoted Ipswich have both contacted Arsenal regarding the 29-year-old.
It opens two new Premier League routes for a player who appears keen to remain in England.
Gabriel Jesus Arsenal exit opens up after Napoli talks fail
Napoli had previously made contact with Jesus’ representatives over a summer transfer.
However, AS now reports that those negotiations did not reach a successful conclusion.
Jesus’ preference could prove particularly important.
The report claims the former Manchester City striker wants to remain in the Premier League as he continues chasing Roberto Firmino’s Brazilian goalscoring record.
Jesus currently has 79 Premier League goals, leaving him three short of drawing level with Firmino on 82.
That makes interest from Everton and Ipswich potentially more attractive than another move abroad.
Arsenal also have a sporting reason to resolve the situation before the transfer window closes.
Jesus was left out of the squad for the Community Shield victory over Manchester City despite featuring during pre-season, including scoring against Girona. AS describes his omission as a clear indication that his role has diminished.
A permanent departure would remove another senior attacker from Mikel Arteta’s squad and potentially create further room for Andrea Berta to act before the window shuts.
Neither Everton nor Ipswich are reported to have submitted a formal bid at this stage.
For Arsenal, however, the important development is that Jesus now has concrete Premier League interest at a time when the Napoli route appears to have faded.
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