3 clubs that could sign Gabriel Jesus this summer

Gabriel Jesus' impact at Arsenal was immediate, but a cloud has already been cast over the Brazilian's future less than two years on from his arrival.

The Gunners' £45m purchase of the Manchester City forward initially appeared a bargain as he relentlessly flummoxed defences and inspired Arsenal to their fast start last season. However, things haven't quite been the same since a long-term knee injury sustained at the 2022 World Cup saw him miss a big chunk of his exciting debut campaign.

The speed of evolution at which Mikel Arteta's project has progressed risks leaving Jesus behind. The Brazilian has shown his best form in the Champions League this season, with Jesus scoring just four times in 24 Premier League appearances.

The very best iteration of the 2023/24 Gunners has included Kai Havertz leading the line, not Jesus. That sentence would've been unfathomable to any supporter at the start of the campaign, let alone after the Brazilian had set the world alight during his first two months in north London.

With injuries continuing to hinder, doubt surrounding his future has started to surface. The Athletic report that Arsenal will listen to offers for Jesus this summer, but who could be interested?

We'll avoid Saudi Pro League speculation for the time being and focus on three potential European destinations for the 27-year-old.

1. Milan

Former Gunner Olivier Giroud has enjoyed a stellar spell in Milan during the twilight phase of his career, but the striker is expected to move on following the expiration of his contract this summer.

Giroud has been a lynchpin in this Milan side, and his exit points towards the need for a mini-rebuild with manager Stefano Pioli also set to move on.

The Rossoneri must be in the market for a new #9 this summer, and perhaps Jesus will be of interest. The Brazilian must be intrigued, too. The historically significant Italians, who lifted the Scudetto in 2022, can offer Jesus Champions League football and regular minutes.

The 27-year-old could work in devastating tandem with Rafael Leao in Milan, with the Rossoneri reportedly interested in signing Jesus when he was made available by Man City in 2022. The player himself also labelled himself a Milan fan back in 2016!

2. Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski has shown in 2024 that he's still got something left in the tank, and he should remain Barcelona's leading man up top for 2024/24. There's been talk of Vitor Roque being sent out on loan next season, so there could be space in the club's striker depth chart.

Barca must also consider a succession plan for Lewandowski.

The Catalans were tenuously linked with Jesus last autumn, and they could identify him as the ideal stop-gap between Lewandowski and Roque. A deal with Barca would likely depend on how much Arsenal demand for the 27-year-old given the La Liga giants' dire financial situation.

3. Chelsea

Chelsea failed with their last-ditch attempt to hijack Arsenal's deal for Jesus in 2022, but the striker-needy club could secure their man this summer.

With Arsenal seemingly regarding the 27-year-old as disposable and their off-field relationship with the London club cordial, the two parties could do business together.

Mauricio Pochettino needs a striker, but I don't envisage Jesus, given the concerns surrounding his knee, being a priority target even if he's made available by the Gunners. Chelsea will undoubtedly explore moves for Victor Osimhen among others before potentially pivoting to the Brazilian.

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