Everton Target Arsenal Striker Gabriel Jesus in Summer Transfer Move as Arsenal Open to Sale

Everton are understood to be pursuing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus as a key transfer target ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the Merseyside club seeking a proven goalscorer to strengthen their attack.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees have identified the 28-year-old Brazilian international as the ideal candidate to lead their forward line next season. The club has reportedly been tracking Jesus for some time, with interest surfacing as far back as last summer and again during the January transfer window.

Arsenal, who clinched the Premier League title this season, appear increasingly willing to part ways with Jesus as manager Mikel Arteta prepares a significant overhaul of his attacking options. Jesus has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth at the Emirates, and the club are understood to be open to offloading him during the summer window.

The Brazilian’s availability has been severely undermined by injuries since his 2022 arrival from Manchester City. Last season, a serious ACL injury ruled him out for a substantial portion of the first half of the campaign. When fit, his opportunities remained limited — he started just three of his 14 Premier League appearances across the season.

Despite Everton’s clear interest, the move faces notable obstacles. The Toffees are reportedly reluctant to meet Arsenal’s £20 million asking price for the 29-year-old, and Jesus’s current wage structure at the north London club represents a further sticking point. For any deal to materialise, Jesus would likely need to accept a significant reduction in salary — a considerable ask for a player of his experience and profile.

Everton’s recruitment staff are also conducting thorough due diligence on Jesus’s fitness record before committing to any agreement, reflecting the ongoing concerns around his injury history and the risk that represents for a club still finding its financial footing.

Arsenal’s position has shifted compared to previous windows, when they rebuffed interest in the forward. With Arteta prioritising squad depth and attacking quality heading into what is expected to be a busy summer for the club, Jesus now appears surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

Jesus, who won the Premier League title with Manchester City before his move to Arsenal, has found the north London chapter of his career interrupted by persistent physical setbacks. His record prior to those injuries — 18 goals in his debut season at Arsenal — underlined his quality when available, making him an attractive option for clubs operating at a lower budget threshold.

Everton, under new ownership and working within the constraints of Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, face a delicate balancing act in the transfer market this summer. Securing a player of Jesus’s pedigree at a reduced fee and wage would represent strong business, should the various financial conditions be met by both parties.