Napoli Transfer Market: A Major Signing in the Attack Is Possible. Lukaku Is Out; Negotiations Are Underway

Napoli has its sights set on Gabriel Jesus, even though the deal seems almost impossible on paper. The Azzurri will soon say goodbye to Romelu Lukaku, who did not report to the training camp in Castel di Sangro and will leave the club by the end of the summer training session: the Azzurri’s dream is to replace him with the Brazilian forward set to leave Arsenal.

The striker, born in 1997 and represented in Italy by Branchini—the same agent as Massimiliano Allegri—is looking for a new challenge away from the Premier League, and Serie A could be a good opportunity for him to relaunch his career. Jesus’s contract expires in 2027, so Napoli cannot offer a loan with an option to buy: the former Arsenal player has no intention of renewing and wants to leave the Gunners on a permanent basis after four years. According to rumors, Arsenal might settle for a fee of 20 million euros for the player, to avoid losing him on a free transfer in a year’s time.

The real obstacle remains Juan Jesus’s salary, which amounts to approximately 15 million euros gross—nearly double what Romelu Lukaku earns. The deal will therefore only be possible if the Arsenal striker takes a pay cut, in addition to the forced sale of the Belgian international.

There have been new developments regarding the striker’s departure in recent hours: Lukaku is reportedly in talks with Fenerbahçe for a transfer to Turkey. Atlanta United, an MLS club, has also reportedly inquired about him, but the former Inter Milan player would prefer to stay in Europe. Napoli is asking for at least 12 million euros for the player, while the Turkish club is unwilling to go beyond 8 million.