Chelsea, Arsenal 'in the mix' for £33.5m Brazilian forward who has impressive goal record

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Botafogo striker Igor Jesus during next summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old has scored seven goals and registered one assist in 19 appearances for Botafogo since arriving at the Brazilian club from Shabab Al Ahli earlier this year.

Jesus started his professional career with Coritiba, representing the club on 49 occasions, scoring five goals and registering two assists, before making the move to Shabab Al Ahli.

The forward scored 43 goals and registered 20 assists in 87 matches for the UAE outfit, and he has continued to find the back of the net at an impressive rate since returning to Brazil.

Jesus capped his Brazil debut with a goal on October 11, meanwhile, finding the back of the net against Chile.

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Chelsea, Arsenal 'eyeing summer deal for Jesus'

According to Fichajes, Chelsea and Arsenal are both interested in signing Jesus, while Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Nottingham Forest are also in the mix for his signature.

The report claims that Botafogo value the forward in the region of £33.5m and are unlikely to accept offers below that figure considering the growing interest in his services.

Arsenal sporting director Edu is allegedly a huge admirer of Jesus, and his presence at the Emirates Stadium could place the Gunners in a strong position to complete a deal.

Jesus has scored 55 goals and registered 23 assists in 155 professional matches, and he could now potentially be given the chance to make his mark in the Premier League.

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Arsenal are expected to sign a new striker in 2025

Arsenal decided against bringing in a new striker over the summer, with Kai Havertz again operating through the middle this season, and the 25-year-old has scored six times in 10 appearances in 2024-25.

The Gunners are widely expected to move for a new forward in 2025, though, and Jesus would represent an interesting option, as he would certainly be cheaper than the likes of Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres.

Signing Jesus would be somewhat of a risk, though, especially for a high price, and it will be fascinating to see what happens with the South American if he continues to score goals at an impressive rate.