Besiktas have opened talks with Arsenal over a potential move for Gabriel Jesus, marking the Turkish club’s second pursuit of a Gunners forward this summer. The Istanbul giants completed the signing of Leandro Trossard earlier in the window for an initial £15.3 million, and now aim to add the Brazilian striker to their attacking options.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas have formally approached Arsenal regarding Jesus, who has been made available for transfer. The Premier League champions are seeking £20 million for the 29-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are understood to be insisting on a permanent departure rather than a loan arrangement for the former Manchester City forward.
Jesus’s situation at Arsenal has shifted significantly following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres and the continued prominence of Kai Havertz in manager Mikel Arteta’s plans. The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order, prompting the club to entertain offers this summer.
However, Besiktas face competition for Jesus’s signature. Italian side Napoli have also expressed interest in the striker, setting up a potential battle between the Turkish Super Lig outfit and the Serie A club. Both sides will need to meet Arsenal’s valuation and convince the player of their sporting project.
The pursuit of Jesus represents an ambitious move by Besiktas, who have already demonstrated their willingness to invest in Premier League proven talent through the Trossard acquisition. Securing a player of Jesus’s pedigree — a four-time Premier League winner with Manchester City and a regular for Brazil — would significantly strengthen their attacking options for domestic and European campaigns.
For Arsenal, the potential departure would continue a summer of squad recalibration. The club has already moved on several fringe players as Arteta reshapes his group ahead of the new season. A £20 million fee for a player entering the final year of his contract would represent sound business, particularly given Jesus’s limited minutes last term.
Negotiations are at an early stage, with personal terms and the structure of any potential fee still to be discussed. Jesus’s preference will likely play a decisive role, with the forward weighing regular first-team football against the prospect of fighting for his place at a title-challenging club.
The coming weeks will determine whether Besiktas can add another high-profile name to their summer intake or if Napoli — or another suitor — will win the race for a striker who remains, at 29, in the prime years of his career.
