Edu left Mikel Arteta with a parting gift before leaving Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Former sporting director Edu reportedly completed the groundwork on a £30million transfer for Brazilian talent Igor Jesus before departing. The Gunners announced Edu’s exit in November ahead of him taking on a role within Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club structure.
Despite the turbulence that the exit of such an important figure might create, are said to have lined up January targets long before the Brazilian’s resignation. A new forward is widely expected to arrive either this month or in the summer.
One of those strikers identified is reportedly Botafogo star Jesus. The 23-year-old scored five times in 22 appearances for the Brazilian side in their 2024 season.
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, speaking on , Edu completed the groundwork on a potential deal for Jesus before leaving in November. It could be the perfect parting gift for .
Jesus only joined Botafogo last summer after a four-year spell playing for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE Pro League. He scored 43 goals in 88 appearances for his former club.
Prior to moving to Dubai, Jesus was a highly-rated star at Coritiba in his homeland. He scored five goals in 49 appearances as a teenager.
Botafogo reportedly value Jesus at around £30m, making him an attainable target this month. Due to the nature of the Brazilian football season, which is played over a calendar year rather than following the standard for European football, signing players from the South American country can be easier in January.
While not the elite forward Arteta clearly craves, the potential addition of Jesus could offer the Spaniard some respite in attack. has always seemed more comfortable in an attacking midfield role rather than as a No. 9. The German has faced criticism for missing several key chances this season.
Arsenal have reportedly completed the groundwork on an Igor Jesus transfer (Image: Getty)
Gabriel Jesus, who has also struggled for goals, is out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. A relative lack of goals from open play has hindered ’s title charge, although Arteta’s side are second in the .
have a six-point lead and a game in hand over . But signing a striker in January would put the north Londoners in the best possible position to take advantage should ’s men slip up.
are unlikely to sell Isak in January, while Viktor Gyokeres remains a Sporting CP player despite interest from and .