Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan and could send Gabriel Jesus in the opposite direction in exchange.
Former Manchester City striker Jesus made an immediate impression through the middle for Arsenal in his debut campaign, but injuries have now prevented him from reaching his full potential.
The Brazilian lost his starting spot to Kai Havertz during the 2023-24 campaign, and a groin issue has also hampered him in the early weeks of 2024-25, forcing him to miss clashes with Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
Jesus made his comeback off the bench in Sunday's North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur, though, while he has contributed 19 goals and 15 assists in 70 games for Arsenal when fully fit.
The 27-year-old still has another three seasons left on his contract, but while Arsenal have made a habit of tying their key players down to longer-term renewals, there has been no talk of a fresh contract for Jesus just yet.
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Jesus 'is not untouchable' at Arsenal
Furthermore, the Gunners could target a new centre-forward in 2025 after deciding against such a move this summer, and according to Inter Live, Nerazzurri man Thuram is on their radar.
The France international - who is the same age as Jesus - made the move to San Siro from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer in 2023 and immediately formed a deadly double act with Lautaro Martinez at San Siro.
Thuram scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions last season, and he has hit the ground running this term with four goals and two assists from just three Serie A appearances.
The 27-year-old is still under contract at San Siro until the summer of 2028, though, meaning that Inter would apparently also ask for a sizeable cash sum in addition to Jesus if they were to let him join the Gunners.
From Arsenal's side, Mikel Arteta and co are apparently not averse to losing Jesus, who is no longer considered indispensable by the Gunners' coaching staff due to his spate of injuries.
Which other strikers could Arsenal target in 2025?
![Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko pictured in June 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/benjamin-sesko.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko pictured in June 2024 [IMAGO]")
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Had Havertz not blossomed in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, Arsenal would have almost certainly pursued a new number nine in the summer, but Arteta decided that a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder were higher on the priority list.
The Gunners had no qualms about letting Eddie Nketiah depart for Crystal Palace on deadline day, though, and unless Jesus explodes this season, it may very well be time to move on from the South American.
It will be fascinating to see whether Arsenal relaunch their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, whom they were said to have been targeting before he signed a new deal with the German giants.
The Gunners also reportedly turned down the chance to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli due to his staggering wage demands; the Nigerian is another one who could be explored again next summer, but only if he is prepared to lower his salary.
Ben Knapton
