Arsenal see surprise bid REJECTED as Arteta seeks first January transfer

Cameron Smith

• 5 Jan 2025 14:15 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have seen a January bid for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus rejected, according to reports in Brazil, as Mikel Arteta eyes mid-season reinforcements.

Jesus was identified as a transfer target during Edu’s time at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal have now lodged a bid to sign the 23-year-old on loan, with an option to buy for €20 million.

That is according to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, who report that Botafogo swiftly rejected Arsenal’s offer as they have no intention of allowing Jesus to leave the club on loan this month.

READ MORE: Arsenal face SHOCK competition for perfect January signing

However, Botafogo owner John Textor is reportedly open to selling Jesus on a permanent deal, which could entice Arsenal into making a second offer before the January transfer window slams shut.

Jesus scored five goals in 22 Brazilian top flight appearances last season, following his arrival from Shabab Al-Ahli, and he has a €100m release clause in his current contract at Botafogo.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of new forwards over the past few months, including Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, but they appear to have switched their focus to landing Jesus.

However, Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb also suggest that Arsenal are considering a €55m bid to sign Atalanta star Mateo Retegui as they look to prise the Italy international away from Bergamo.

READ MORE: Arsenal suffer blow in Nico Williams chase

What has Mikel Arteta said?

Arsenal spent just shy of €110m on new signings during the summer transfer window, and Arteta recently revealed that his side could dip into the market in search of reinforcements yet again this month.

“Let’s see. If there’s an opportunity we will look at it,” Arteta told reporters after Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day.

“We are prepared if we need to do something, we’re capable of doing something, but then that transfer window is very tricky and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited but we’ll be there.”