Napoli Targets Gabriel Jesus, Zirkzee, and Jackson

Napoli explores options for strikers Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Nicolas Jackson to strengthen their attacking lineup this season.

Napoli is intensifying its search for attacking reinforcements by making inquiries regarding several high-profile strikers. The Italian club is exploring moves for Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Nicolas Jackson as part of their efforts to bolster their frontline.

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli is actively assessing the market to enhance their attacking options in light of Romelu Lukaku’s departure to Fenerbahçe. Currently, the attacking lineup features players such as David Neres, Rasmus Hojlund, Matteo Politano, and Alisson Santos.

Securing a potent goalscorer is a top priority for the club’s management as they aim to maintain competitive performance levels. By evaluating multiple targets, they can take swift action when the right opportunity arises before the transfer window closes.

The first player under consideration is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian began his senior club career at Palmeiras, where he was honored as Best Newcomer at the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and played a pivotal role in securing Palmeiras’ first national league title in 22 years. After a successful stint, he transferred to Manchester City in January 2017 in a deal worth £27 million, where he gained considerable accolades, including four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and an FA Cup. Following a switch to Arsenal in July 2022 for £45 million, Jesus made a notable return to the field on December 10 against Club Brugge and scored his first goal in over eleven months against Aston Villa.

Another target on Napoli’s radar is Joshua Zirkzee, currently at Manchester United. The Dutch forward emerged from Bayern Munich’s youth system, featuring in 17 first-team matches and undertaking loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht before signing with Bologna in August 2022. Zirkzee’s standout performances led to his inclusion in the 2023–24 Serie A Team of the Year, ultimately earning him a move to Manchester United in July 2024. His existing situation at Old Trafford has caught the attention of several interested parties in the market.

The final candidate identified by the management is Nicolas Jackson, who recently joined Chelsea after progressing through Casa Sports and Villarreal. Jackson made his La Liga debut in 2021 and signed an eight-year deal with Chelsea in 2023 valued at £32 million. He made an impressive mark by scoring in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. Following a loan of the 2025–26 season to Bundesliga club Bayern Munich for €16.5 million, he scored during the Champions League matches and contributed to Bayern’s victorious campaign in the league.

As Napoli continues its search for the right candidates, the club is keen on bringing in additional firepower to enhance their attack.