Everton remain interested in signing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus this summer, but completing a deal is proving far more complicated than simply agreeing on a transfer fee. Although Arsenal have reportedly reduced their asking price to between £20 million and £25 million, the overall financial package continues to present a significant hurdle for the Merseyside club.
According to Football Insider, Everton are long-term admirers of the Brazilian international and continue to monitor his situation closely. However, club officials are concerned about the total cost of the transfer, particularly Jesus’ salary, which is among the highest at Arsenal. Those wage demands could ultimately prevent David Moyes’ side from making a formal move despite the reduced valuation.
Arsenal are believed to be open to selling the 29-year-old as they continue reshaping their attacking options ahead of the new season. The Gunners initially signed Jesus from Manchester City in 2022 for around £45 million, and while he made an impressive start to life in North London, injuries and inconsistent availability have limited his impact over the past few campaigns.
Last season, Jesus struggled for regular Premier League minutes, making just 14 league appearances and scoring three goals as Arsenal lifted the Premier League title. Despite those modest numbers, his underlying statistics still suggest he remains an effective forward when fully fit, highlighting his movement, pressing ability and chance creation.
Everton are keen to strengthen their attack after several seasons of inconsistent goalscoring. Since the departure of Romelu Lukaku in 2017, the Toffees have struggled to find a reliable striker capable of consistently delivering double-digit league goals. Bringing in an experienced Premier League forward such as Jesus would add quality and versatility to David Moyes’ frontline.
However, finances remain Everton’s biggest obstacle. While Arsenal’s willingness to lower their asking price has made negotiations more realistic, the Brazilian’s wages continue to exceed what Everton are comfortable paying. Club executives are also weighing the injury record that has affected the striker during his Arsenal career.
Competition for Jesus is also expected to intensify. Reports suggest clubs across Europe, including Serie A sides, as well as teams in his native Brazil, are monitoring the situation. That growing interest could make the race for his signature increasingly competitive if Arsenal officially place him on the market.
For Arsenal, selling Jesus would help reduce the wage bill and create additional room within Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Premier League champions continue to strengthen ahead of another title challenge. The club has already been linked with several attacking reinforcements, making departures equally important during the transfer window.
Everton, meanwhile, must decide whether the experience and quality of Gabriel Jesus justify stretching their financial limits. While there is little doubt about the Brazilian’s pedigree—having won multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City before joining Arsenal—his fitness history and salary demands mean any deal carries considerable risk.
As things stand, Everton’s interest remains genuine, but unless there is flexibility over personal terms or Arsenal agree to a more creative financial arrangement, a transfer appears difficult. With more clubs expected to enter the race in the coming weeks, Gabriel Jesus’ future could become one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the summer.
