Arteta Eyes Mid-Season Reinforcements Amid Striker Search
Arsenal’s pursuit of Botafogo striker Igor Jesus has hit a stumbling block, with the Brazilian club reportedly rejecting the Gunners’ January bid. According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Arsenal proposed a loan deal with a €20 million option to buy for the 23-year-old, but Botafogo swiftly turned it down.
While Botafogo has expressed no interest in letting Jesus leave on loan, club owner John Textor is reportedly open to negotiating a permanent transfer. This development could prompt Arsenal to return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes.
A Rising Star with a Hefty Price Tag
Igor Jesus, who joined Botafogo from Shabab Al-Ahli, scored five goals in 22 appearances in the Brazilian league last season. The striker’s current contract includes a €100 million release clause, making any deal a potentially expensive endeavor for Arsenal.
Despite the rejection, Arsenal remains keen to bolster their attacking options. Over the past months, they’ve been linked with several forwards, including Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyökeres, and Alexander Isak. However, Jesus appears to have emerged as their primary target.
Retegui Also on Arsenal’s Radar
Reports from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb suggest Arsenal is simultaneously considering a €55 million bid for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui. The Italy international has caught the eye with his performances in Serie A, making him another attractive option for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arteta on Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
After Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day, manager Mikel Arteta hinted at potential activity in the January transfer window.
“If there’s an opportunity, we will look at it,” Arteta said. “We’re prepared to do something if we need to, but the transfer window is very tricky and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited, but we’ll be there.”
A History of Investment
Arsenal already spent close to €110 million on new signings during the summer, demonstrating the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad. The Gunners will now need to decide whether to meet Botafogo’s demands for Jesus or shift their focus to other targets like Retegui as they aim to maintain momentum in their Premier League campaign.
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