Everton have contacted Arsenal to sign 'special' £17m forward
Everton have contacted Arsenal about striker Gabriel Jesus, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order at the Gunners, and he is presently the third-choice striker behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.
Havertz and Gyokeres featured in the recent Community Shield win over Manchester City in Cardiff, but Jesus was completely excluded from the matchday squad.
AS now reveal that the 29-year-old has snubbed a move to Serie A. Napoli wanted him as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku, but negotiations have fallen through.
Jesus wants more playing time at this stage of his career but would also like to continue in England. Everton have now emerged as an option for the Palmeiras graduate.
The Toffees have contacted the Gunners. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town are also surprisingly mentioned as suitors for Jesus, who was described as ‘special‘ by manager Mikel Arteta last season.
Everton could pursue a loan deal for Jesus
The Merseyside outfit have made good progress under manager David Moyes. They were in contention for a European spot last term but fell off during the final phase of the season.
Moyes may want to add more quality in the final third to push for a European berth. Jack Grealish was signed from Manchester City on loan last summer. He had a good start before a lengthy injury.
The Toffees covered 75 percent of his £300,000 per week wages at Man City (£275,000), and they could negotiate a similar agreement with the Gunners for Jesus before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal have looked at the possibility of selling Jesus for £17m, with him entering the last year of his contract, but they could be open to a loan spell that would cover most of his salary.
Jesus earns £265,000 per week at the Gunners. If the Toffees contribute £200,000 per week, a loan move could be on the cards. In our view, a temporary exit could be the last resort if Arsenal can’t sell him.
Ipswich have also been linked with the experienced marksman, but the newly-promoted outfit are unlikely to afford him. Their highest earners in the squad are currently at just £35,000 weekly.
Stats from Capology.com
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