Arsenal prioritise Jesus over Osimhen, may get Ruiz

Transfer rumour over the last few weeks that Arsenal are interested in signing Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen may be unfounded as the priority is Man City’s, Gabriel Jesus. 

According to the transfer Guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have shown no interest in Osimhen whatsoever and are concentrating all their efforts on securing Jesus’ signature before considering looking at other possible targets.

Fabrizio said in an exclusive interview with CaughtOffside: “As of today, I am not aware of an advanced negotiation for Osimhen to Arsenal. Napoli have no intention to negotiate for less than €100million for the Nigerian striker and so far there is no proposal on the table, sources close to the club guarantee.

“Napoli are always tough negotiators in the transfer market, and their mission will be to try to keep Osimhen for another season.

“Personally, I’m not even convinced he is as much of a target for Arsenal as other reports would have you believe.

“For now, the Gunners are waiting for answers from Jesus after positive talks with his agent. The Brazilian is the priority target for Mikel Arteta, but also interests other clubs. We can expect a final decision to come soon, and Manchester City are asking for a €50-60m fee for Jesus.”

Arsenal are also mulling over an offer for Jesus's team-mate, Oleksandr Zinchenko(opens in new tab), who could be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium in a bid to play more regular minutes.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been handed hope in their pursuit of Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz, as they look to bolster their midfield this summer.

According to football.london, the midfielder has rejected a new contract with the Italians and so could be on his way out of the club.

Ruiz has been a staple in Napoli’s starting line-up since joining the club from Real Betis four years ago but could be set for a new challenge, with only a year remaining on his current deal.

The Serie A side paid €30 million for Ruiz in 2018 and won’t want to let him go for free next summer so could consider cashing in on him in the coming months. It is thought that the 26-year-old would be available for less than £25 million, however Arsenal would face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.

The Gunners may struggle to lure Ruiz to the club after they failed to secure Champions League football for next season, while a return to Spain may also be more tempting after his time away from home.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already been linked with a number of midfielders including Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans, with the club reportedly previously considering a £25 million bid for the latter.

Arsenal are currently relying on Thomas Partey, Albert Lokonga and Xhaka in the middle of the park, while Mohamed Elneny has recently signed a new deal with the club.