Napoli have been told it will be virtually impossible for them to sign Gabriel Jesus this summer under the current conditions.
The Arsenal striker appears destined to leave the Premier League champions after four injury-interrupted years with the northLondon club.
Jesus made an instant impact upon joining the Gunners from Manchester City and played a big role in helping Mikel Arteta turn a sleeping giant into title contenders.
Two serious knee injuries have derailed the 29-year-old’s career, however, to the extent whereby he is effectively Arsenal’s fourth choice striker behind the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino.
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Despite not quite being the player of old Jesus remains in high-demand this summer with a number of clubs in Italy and Turkey interested in his services.
Saudi Arabia, too, has been mooted as a potential destination for the Brazil international but Napoli appeared to be the frontrunners and had identified Jesus as a potential replacement for the outgoing Romelu Lukaku.
Arsenal’s desire to seek a permanent exit for Jesus, rather than accept a loan with an option to buy offer, is complicating matters as the players’ agent Giovanni Branchini explained.
He said: ‘For several months, many clubs have been sounding out the player’s situation to understand Arsenal‘s intentions, numbers and expectations.
‘I’ve had three Italian clubs approach me, and a potential fourth had expressed interest at a time when they seemed on the verge of selling an important striker in the squad.
‘They had the possibility of trying the Gabriel card in their head. This is the reality.
‘And I can add that apart from a couple of Turkish clubs, rejected because they weren’t interested in going to Turkey, there haven’t been any other significant negotiations.’
Speaking specifically about Napoli, the agent clarified that the possibility of reaching an agreement with Arsenal is currently remote.
“Dreaming, possibly, is possible under certain conditions that don’t exist at this stage. And to say otherwise is inappropriate for Napoli and for Gabriel Jesus.”