Besiktas aren’t done shopping at the Emirates. Just weeks after landing Leandro Trossard in a deal worth up to £17m, the Turkish giants have turned their attention to another Arsenal attacker: Gabriel Jesus.
It’s a bold move. And it’s one that tells you everything about where Besiktas are heading under Vincenzo Italiano.
Why Besiktas Want Jesus
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas have made initial contact with Arsenal over a potential deal for the 29-year-old Brazilian striker. TransferFeed reports that coach Italiano has given a positive assessment of Jesus, viewing him as an experienced forward who can lead the line in Istanbul.
Arsenal’s asking price? Around £20m. And they’re not interested in a loan — only a permanent sale.
That stance makes sense. Jesus has just one year left on his contract. If the Gunners don’t sell now, they risk losing him for nothing next summer. It’s the classic sell-or-lose dilemma, and Arsenal clearly want to cash in.
Jesus hasn’t exactly been a regular starter either. Last season he managed only 14 Premier League appearances, scoring six goals. He’s now firmly behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta‘s pecking order.
For Besiktas, that’s the appeal. Here’s a proven Premier League winner — someone with four English top-flight titles and over 120 Arsenal appearances — available at a fraction of what he’d have cost two years ago.
The Trossard connection helps too. Besiktas already know Arsenal’s negotiating style. They’ve built a working relationship after completing the Belgian’s £15.3m move in July. Why not go back for seconds?
The Competition Is Fierce
Besiktas aren’t alone in this race. Not by a long shot.
Several clubs across Europe have registered interest in Jesus this summer:
- Napoli have opened talks with Jesus’s representatives and see him as a potential Romelu Lukaku replacement
- AC Milan and Juventus both made enquiries earlier in the window
- Fenerbahce, Besiktas’s Istanbul rivals, have also explored the possibility of signing him
- Palmeiras have been mentioned as an option for a return to Brazil
Jesus himself hasn’t been shy about his feelings. In a June interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he spoke about growing up watching Serie A and dreaming of playing in Italy.
That could tip the scales toward a move to Naples or Milan rather than Istanbul. But Besiktas reportedly believe they can offer a more competitive financial package than some of their European rivals.
Turkish reports from Sporx suggest the Black Eagles have allocated a larger budget for Jesus than their domestic competitors. If true, that’s a significant advantage — especially when you consider Italiano’s tactical vision for the squad.
What This Means for Arsenal and Besiktas
For Arsenal, selling Jesus is part of a broader summer overhaul. The Gunners won the Premier League title last season and reached the Champions League final. But Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are reshaping the squad with younger, more dynamic options.
Trossard’s already gone. Jesus could follow. It’s not sentimental — it’s strategic.
For Besiktas, adding Jesus would be a statement signing. Italiano, the former Bologna and Fiorentina manager who fans have dubbed “the Italian Klopp,” arrived in June on a two-year deal worth €6m per season. He’s been tasked with closing the 17-point gap to last season’s champions.
Landing two Arsenal attackers in one window? That’s the kind of ambition that gets supporters off their seats at Vodafone Park.
The question now is whether Besiktas can meet the £20m valuation — and whether Jesus himself fancies Istanbul over Italy. With the transfer window still open, don’t be surprised if this one moves quickly.
