Everton have now launched a move for Gabriel Jesus, and their chances of signing the Arsenal striker have been revealed.
In the early stages of the summer transfer window, the Toffees have set out to strengthen in attack, with Thierno Barry failing to make the desired impact in his debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, netting just eight Premier League goals.
Barry has struggled to adjust to life in England, whereas Jesus has plenty of experience in the top flight, across spells with Manchester City and the Gunners.
Injuries have taken their toll, with the Brazilian being limited to just 14 Premier League appearances last term, but he was lauded by Mikel Arteta back in December, with the manager saying: “I think he brings something else, and I was really happy to see that and for him as well, for his confidence to grow, for his teammates to feel him as well because some of them haven’t played with him.
“So, Gabby has a really special quality where he suddenly connects everybody around him and that’s something that we as a team need and it will make us better.”
|
Football FanCast’s Verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Credibility |
Not only did Barry fail to set the world alight last season, but Beto hasn’t exactly been prolific throughout his time on Merseyside, netting 25 goals in 111 games for the Toffees. With that in mind, signing a proven Premier League striker could be ideal. |
|
Finances |
Arsenal are expected to hold out for £20m, so a deal for the 29-year-old wouldn’t break the bank. However, his wage demands could pose a problem, with the centre-forward raking in a whopping £265,000-a-week at the Emirates Stadium. |
|
Insight |
During spells with Man City and Arsenal, the 64-cap Brazil international has amassed 79 goals and 45 assists in 243 Premier League appearances. However, he has only found the net a total of six times across the past two seasons, having spent a lot of time on the sidelines due to injuries. |
|
Impact |
Should Everton sign Jesus, David Moyes would have three strikers to choose from, which might be too many, given that the manager utilises a 4-2-3-1 formation. Signing the Arsenal star may also impact the pursuit of Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who the Toffees are currently the favourites to sign. |
Everton make first move to sign Gabriel Jesus
According to journalist Gianluigi Longari (via One Football), Everton have now made contact to sign Jesus, with Moyes keen to add some firepower to his forward line.
The Gunners are open to a sale for £20m, which should be affordable, but there is a belief his wage demands could be prohibitive, in light of the Toffees’ wage structure, while there is also concern about his injury record.
Gabriel Jesus could be risky signing for Everton
The Sao Paulo-born star has proven he can be a top Premier League striker on his day, registering 11 goals and seven assists in 26 appearances during his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
However, £20m would be sizeable sum to pay for a player who has struggled on the injury front for quite some time, being limited to just three starts in the Premier League last term.
Jesus’ huge wages may also be an issue, whereas fellow striker target Delap earns £100,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, which is a more modest salary in comparison.
Although the centre-forward struggled in his debut campaign at Chelsea, netting just once in the Premier League, he managed to find the net on 12 occasions for Ipswich Town during the 2024-25 season.
As such, Delap could be the ideal target for Everton, and he is not the only Englishman of interest, with Hayden Hackney set to complete a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this week.
Bowen makes decision about joining Everton in direct talks with Moyes
The West Ham United forward has a close relationship with the Everton boss.
