De Bruyne backs Gabriel Jesus to thrive at Napoli as Arsenal weigh summer exits

Kevin De Bruyne has publicly backed Gabriel Jesus to make an immediate impact at Napoli, fuelling speculation that the Brazilian forward’s four-year stint at Arsenal could be nearing its end before the summer transfer window closes.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian midfielder — who played alongside Jesus at Manchester City — made clear he would welcome a reunion in Naples. “What does he bring? Quality,” De Bruyne said. “Quality in attack on the ball, in hold-up play and in the build-up. He is probably a profile we do not have, different from Rasmus or Lorenzo. If he arrives, he can help us. Also with his experience: he knows how to win. It is important, we’ll see what happens.”

Jesus, 29, has not played a single minute for Arsenal this season, having been omitted from Mikel Arteta’s squads for both the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Coventry. Premier League sides Everton and Ipswich have also been linked with the forward, while Napoli are weighing Chelsea’s Marc Guiu as an alternative target.

Arteta acknowledged the situation with a degree of frustration, pointing to squad-size restrictions rather than a lack of faith in the player. “It’s really sad not to have their ability,” the Arsenal manager said. “I have been fighting with the Premier League to extend the squad, to accommodate more players. They deserve to be in the squad, there is no question.”

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in a £50m deal in 2022 but has managed only 123 appearances across three seasons, scoring 32 goals, with his time at the club repeatedly disrupted by injury.

He may not be the only high-profile departure from the Emirates before the window shuts. Fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli has also been linked with an exit, with Saudi side Al-Hilal reportedly agreeing a £50m fee — a figure that would represent a record sale for the club.

Should both players leave, Arsenal are expected to move for reinforcements in attack. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez remains a prominent name in that context. The Argentine striker has not trained in recent days due to illness and has been loudly jeered by Atletico supporters amid an increasingly acrimonious standoff with the club, who have also publicly criticised Barcelona’s conduct in their own pursuit of the forward.