Giovanni Branchini, the agent of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, has been seen at Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro as the Italian club considers a move for the Brazil international.
Napoli are reportedly assessing Jesus as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Lucca, both of whom could leave the club this summer. Branchini’s presence at the training camp has increased speculation that discussions over a potential transfer are advancing.
Lukaku’s future at Napoli is increasingly uncertain, with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United reportedly interested in signing the Belgium international. Lucca, meanwhile, is not expected to feature in manager Massimiliano Allegri’s plans for the 2026-27 season.
Should both forwards depart, Rasmus Hojlund would be Napoli’s only senior centre-forward. That situation has led to reports linking Jesus with a move to the Partenopei.
Branchini also represents Allegri, Napoli’s head coach, meaning his appearance at the club’s training base is not necessarily connected solely to Jesus. However, reports from Gianluca Di Marzio state that the agent is in Italy to discuss the Arsenal forward and that another round of formal talks could take place in the coming hours.
Jesus is entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal, which expires on 30 June 2027. He is not expected to be offered a new deal at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are therefore hoping to secure a permanent sale for the 29-year-old this summer. A loan arrangement, even one including an option or obligation to buy, would mean Jesus remained under contract with Arsenal beyond the 2026-27 season.
The forward joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has continued to be regarded as a potential departure as the club reviews its attacking options. A move to Napoli would give him the chance to continue his career in Serie A, although any agreement would depend on the Italian club first resolving the futures of Lukaku and Lucca.
Napoli will need to find new clubs for both players before they can complete a deal for Jesus, according to the reports surrounding the proposed transfer.
Friday’s developments also revealed that Maxime Nana, the agent of Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, attended the training session alongside Branchini.
The meeting comes as Napoli prepare for the new campaign under Allegri, while Arsenal assess whether to sell Jesus during the current transfer window rather than allow his contract situation to run into its final stages. No agreement has yet been confirmed between the clubs or the player’s representatives.
