Who is Arsenal-linked Brazil striker Igor Jesus? | OneFootball

Arsenal are being linked with Botafogo forward Igor Jesus – below is everything you need to know about him.

Jesus started off his career in his native Brazil, graduating to the Coritiba first team at the age of 18 after a spell in the Under-20s. There he played 49 times, scoring five goals and assisting a further two, before a rather interesting transfer to United Arab Emirates outfit Shabab Al-Ahli at 19-years-old for two million euros.

Despite his young age, Jesus hit the ground running in the Middle East, registering 50 goal contributions in 66 matches in the UAE Pro League. The 23-year-old would remain at Shabab Al-Ahli until the July 2024, ending his time at the club with 43 goals and 20 assists in 88 matches.

Jesus would return to Brazil with Botafogo where in the six months he has been there, he has earned his first caps and goal for his country, as well as helping his club to their first Copa Libertadores title in their history, while scoring five goals in 22 league games.

The Gunners have been linked with signing a striker this month and Igor Jesus could be an option for Mikel Arteta. Here’s some key information about him.

Contract status

Having joined Botafogo in July 2024 on a free transfer, Jesus is only six months into a three-and-a-half year deal, which sees the 23-year-old contracted to Fogo until 31 December 2027. It is reported that Jesus has an £83 million release clause in his contract. The club will likely refuse any loan offers, but they are apparently willing to sanction a permanent move for 25 million euros.

Style of play

Jesus is seen as a versatile forward who does not stay in the box all of the time. According to Brazilian journalist Thiago Rabelo, he likes to get out wide and is capable of playing on the wing to allow teammates to attack the central spaces. The 23-year-old is also seen as a strong, fast and a powerful finisher.

Who is interested?

Arsenal have been seen as the main interested party, but they are not the only Premier League side looking at Jesus, with West Ham apparently putting in a £30m bid in November according to Brazilian news outlet RTI Esporte. Ipswich, Fulham and Brentford are the other interested parties in Jesus. The Gunners have reportedly had a loan offer rejected by Botafogo.

What’s been said?

Fresh after joining Botafogo, Jesus said: “I am good enough to play for Brazil and I am going to do my best every day to make that happen.” Following his call-up to the national team, Seleção manager Dorival Junior was very graceful on the forward’s qualities. “It looks like you are all getting to know Igor Jesus as a player now. I came up against him a few years back. He was really catching the eye at Coritiba. Now that he has returned to Brazil, you are all starting to see his qualities as a player.”

Did you know?

Jesus’ nickname is ‘Little Frog’, earning that as a youngster whilst playing as a goalkeeper for a local team, with the name coming after making acrobatic saves. His favourite cartoon was the Japanese animated show Dragon Ball Z, something the Brazilian continues to enjoy in his adulthood. His mother would ban him from going to training as a child if he skipped school to play football as she wanted him to have a back-up in case life as a footballer did not work out.