Arsenal eye £20m solution as wonderkid deal looms this summer

Arsenal face a midfield gap after the summer exits of Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard, prompting Mikel Arteta to look at a £20 million replacement as reports link Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus to the North London club.

CommentsSportTom Victor Senior Sports Journalist04:00, 12 Aug 2026 View 2 ImagesMikel Arteta's Arsenal squad is continuing to take shape (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images). After making Bruno Guimaraes their fourth senior summer signing, Arsenal are preparing to get further business done.

Departures create a midfield void

The Gunners have seen exits totalling around £40 million, with Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard all departing. Those departures leave a noticeable hole in the midfield and defensive ranks. Further exits could still follow as the transfer window remains open.

Potential £20m signing of Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal are understood to value Gabriel Jesus at roughly £20 million, a figure that matches the club’s current budget for a marquee addition. Napoli, who need to complete one more sale, have shown interest, and the door appears ajar for a move. The Brazilian forward’s potential arrival would address the creative deficit left by the recent exits.

In addition to the senior signings, Piero Hincapie has joined permanently after a successful loan spell, and the Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes followed Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis to North London, bolstering the squad’s depth.

Youth prospect Mylo Bernard has signed after Crystal Palace’s training compensation was paid, bringing a 16‑year‑old striker with four goals for England’s Under‑16 side. Elijah Upson, son of former Arsenal and England centre‑back Matt, also arrived from Tottenham’s academy, adding to the club’s emerging talent pool.

Arteta oversaw a 3‑2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup over the weekend and will want a response against Como on Wednesday. After that comes the Community Shield against Manchester City, with new arrival Guimaraes champing at the bit to get his first action in an Arsenal shirt.

The £40 million in exits provides a financial base that could fund the £20 million Jesus deal, while the club continues to balance its books with permanent signings and youth promotions.