Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been linked with transfers to Inter and Napoli respectively, but both Serie A clubs must sell players before they can make formal moves for the Gunners’ attackers.
Neither Martinelli nor Jesus has been included in Arsenal’s squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry City this evening.
Inter are considering Martinelli, while Napoli continue to regard Jesus as a leading target. However, the Italian clubs are facing a similar obstacle: they need to create room in their squads and budgets by moving on existing players.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Jesus remains high on Napoli’s list of priorities. The Partenopei will reportedly have to sell either Noa Lang or Lorenzo Lucca before they can pursue the Arsenal striker.
Lucca has attracted interest from Trabzonspor, although Napoli are still waiting for an official offer for the player. Until one of their forwards is sold, the club’s ability to advance negotiations over Jesus will remain limited.
Martinelli has been offered to Inter by his agency, Roc Nation, according to Tuttosport. The agency also represents Inter player Luis Henrique, who is a target for Roma.
Inter are said to be interested in the prospect of signing Martinelli, but would need to raise additional funds first. That could involve selling Luis Henrique and potentially Ange-Yoan Bonny, who is wanted by Fiorentina.
Fiorentina, known as La Viola, are expected to make contact over Bonny if Moise Kean leaves for Como. Inter value Bonny at €40m, and a deal at that level would give the club the resources required to pursue Martinelli.
The situation means both Italian clubs must resolve their own squad issues before they can make progress on their respective Arsenal targets. Martinelli’s possible move to Inter depends on departures, while Napoli’s interest in Jesus is similarly tied to the sale of either Lang or Lucca.
Inter and Napoli have also reportedly shown interest in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Netherlands international is also on Juventus’ agenda, providing further competition for the two Serie A clubs in the attack market.
Martinelli and Jesus have both been linked with moves away from Arsenal, but neither transfer is currently straightforward. Inter must first increase their budget, while Napoli need to generate space by selling one of their existing forwards.
Any move for either Arsenal player is therefore dependent on outgoing business being completed before the Italian clubs can act.
