According to Sport, the injury Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic picked up recently has made Barcelona cross his name off their list of potential long-term replacements for Robert Lewandowski. The 25-year-old left the pitch with an adductor problem just 31 minutes into Juve’s clash with Cagliari at the end of November and is expected to miss […]
According to Sport, the injury Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic picked up recently has made Barcelona cross his name off their list of potential long-term replacements for Robert Lewandowski. The 25-year-old left the pitch with an adductor problem just 31 minutes into Juve’s clash with Cagliari at the end of November and is expected to miss […]
AC Milan have reportedly made Gabriel Jesus their top attacking target for the January transfer window, with the Italian giants exploring the possibility of a loan deal for the Arsenal forward, according to Corriere dello Sport, as reported by GOAL.
The Rossoneri, who are seeking to reinforce their frontline after an inconsistent start to the season, view Jesus as an ideal addition to inject pace, creativity, and experience into their attack.
However, the move faces significant challenges, primarily due to Milan’s limited transfer budget and the Brazilian’s high wages.
Under manager Massimilano Allegri, Milan have struggled with attacking consistency, especially in big games.
The 28-year-old’s experience in the Premier League and Champions League makes him a valuable asset for a side hoping to challenge domestically and in Europe.
However, Milan’s financial situation rules out any chance of a permanent deal, with a loan being the only realistic avenue. Even that comes with complications, as Jesus currently earns around €16 million gross per year at Arsenal, a figure far above what Milan’s wage structure can accommodate.
Sources in Italy suggest Milan could attempt to negotiate a deal where Arsenal cover part of the player’s wages, though such an arrangement would require the Gunners’ approval and likely depend on their own January business.
At Arsenal, Jesus has found himself in a difficult position. While he remains one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted forwards, the rise of Viktor Gyökeres, signed last summer, and the emergence of Mikel Merino as a makeshift attacker have limited his playing time.
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
With the 2026 World Cup in North America drawing closer, Jesus is reportedly eager for more consistent minutes to cement his place in the Brazil national team.
Although Arteta values Jesus’ leadership and versatility, the manager has rotated heavily this season and with options like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the squad, players who can also play upfront for the Gunners, Jesus may find it difficult to feature in the second half of the season.
This reduced role could make a mid-season loan appealing to the player, particularly if Milan can guarantee regular football and a central role in Allegri’s system.
Arsenal are eyeing both Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as long-term targets in attack, and are not currently seeking to sign a new striker.
As first reported here in my exclusive for the Daily Briefing, Arsenal still have a lot of faith in Viktor Gyokeres after spending big to sign him from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.
As such, the Gunners are not looking for a new centre-forward to replace Gyokeres, but are keeping in mind other attackers who could come in to help the Sweden international.
Sources tell me the names that feature most high up on Arsenal’s list are Rodrygo and Leao, who have long been on the north Londoners’ radar.
Arsenal relaxed about Viktor Gyokeres but eyeing Rodrygo Goes and Rafael Leao
Arsenal have made changes to their attack in recent times, with Gyokeres not the only new addition to Mikel Arteta’s front three over the summer.
Rafael Leao celebrates a goal for AC Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke also joined, and has played on both the left and right flanks, while Eberechi Eze has also sometimes been used in a front three when he’s not deputised for Martin Odegaard in a more central role.
Still, Leandro Trossard is not getting any younger, and Gabriel Martinelli has been a little inconsistent, while both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have had a lot of injury troubles.
That could leave room for a player of the profile or Rodrygo or Leao to come in and offer something different to help generally improve the strength of that front three.
Leao has mostly shone for Milan so would likely be a popular choice, and the stats below seem to back up that he might have the most all-round qualities to offer in that role…
Gabriel Martinelli stats vs Rafael Leao and Rodrygo Goes (DataMB)
Leao has this season performed best on non penalty goals and expected goals, as well as key passes and assists, though Rodrygo stands out for his dribbles and carries.
It will be interesting to see if either of these players end up being top targets soon, or if Arteta can work out an internal solution to get more out of Gyokeres at centre-forward.
Login
