Latest developments
- Arsenal are interested in Botafogo's Igor Jesus.
- The 23-year-old turned down a move to Nottingham Forest.
- South American football expert suggests Arsenal have a better chance.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Vickery knows his stuff
Arsenal have been linked throughout the window to Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who won his first four Brazil caps in late 2024.
Speaking to Sky Sports, South American football expert Tim Vickery added fuel to the rumour by suggesting he is a good fit for Arsenal, shortly after he personally rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest.
Value (2/5): Well above market price
That bid from Forest was said to be £25.1 million, exactly double his current market value of £12.55 million.
Unless Jesus has his heart set on the Gunners, they will have to pay more than double the market price for a player who scored eight goals in 31 games last season, his first back in Brazil after three years in the UAE.
Suitability (2.5/5): Slowly developed potential
At 23, he seems to be a late bloomer compared to most who switch South America for the Premier League, and a CV that has no domestic football above Brazil's Serie A will be a concern.
However, he has bagged his first Brazil goal, and if he can perform for the most demanding national team in the world, there's a good chance he can step up into a top league.
That point enjoys extra validity in light of Vickery's assessment, which stated: “he's strong, he's quick, he's mobile, he can hold the ball up, he can run into the channels.”
Upgrade? (2.5/5): A proper striker, at least
Having seen their club linked with so many top strikers in the last few months, Arsenal fans will not be happy if Julio is the only centre-forward they finally bring in.
Likely to be a back-up to Kai Havertz while Gabriel Jesus is out, Igor Jesus is a similar player to both, in that he can play up front, in behind and out wide. But primarily, he is a centre-forward.
Logic (2/5): Setting sights high
A personal rejection of Forest may suggest he is setting his sights on a club with more modern-day success, though there is no guarantee that the club in question will be Arsenal.
The Gunners would certainly be gambling here, especially given the likely size of the transfer fee.
Whisper+ analysis: 12/25
Jesus is set for big things after an unorthodox career path, but Arsenal need someone tried and tested.
