Arsenal tipped to sign Brazil’s BEST No.9

Robin Bairner

29 Jan 2025 15:30 GMT
6 min read

Arsenal have been tipped to make a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus before the transfer window concludes.

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The Gunners have searched tirelessly for a centre-forward during January but have hit a string of dead ends with regard top targets like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

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FootballTransfers understands that Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel is being seriously considered as an option before the deadline, but Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Igor Jesus, the man who has inherited the role of Brazil’s starting centre-forward from off-form Gunner Gabriel Jesus.

Nottingham Forest have already been rejected by Igor Jesus, but South American football expert Tim Vickery has tipped Arsenal to be more successful in their pursuit of the 23-year-old if they make a move.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “This time last year he was in the United Arab Emirates and he wasn't even a household name in his own home. Botafogo brought him on a free in July and by October he was Brazil's first-choice centre forward.

“He looks like the complete package. a very, very promising player indeed. We understand that he personally rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest at the weekend which was said to be 30m Euros.

“It seems he said no to Forest, but my big question would be would he say no to Arsenal?

“He would seem to fit their requirements, he's an all-round striker, he's strong, he's quick, he's mobile, he can hold the ball up, he can run into the channels.

“If there were to be a bid from Arsenal would he say no to that?”

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Who is Igor Jesus?

Igor Jesus is a centre-forward whose best role is being deployed as a poacher.

His rise has been remarkable. He signed for Botafogo on a free transfer last July but finished the season with eight goals and five assists for the club by the end of the season as they went all the way to win the Copa Libertadores.

This has led to him winning four Brazil caps, grabbing a goal on debut against Chile in a World Cup qualifier.

Significant transfer interest has grown quickly in the forward, with Arsenal’s interest in Igor Jesus first reported as far back as November. Offers in the region of €35 million (£30m) have been rumoured.