Napoli Targets Premier League Strikers Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Nicolas Jackson
Napoli have launched inquiries for three notable forwards—Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Nicolas Jackson—as the club looks to strengthen its attacking lineup.
Reinforcing the Attack
With Romelu Lukaku's exit to Fenerbahce, Napoli is actively searching the transfer market for new striking options. Their current forwards include David Neres, Rasmus Hojlund, Matteo Politano, and Alisson Santos. Still, acquiring a prolific goal scorer is high on the agenda to keep the team competitive. The club is assessing various targets to act quickly if the right deal appears before the transfer deadline.
Gabriel Jesus Profile
The first option on their list is Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus. He started his senior career at Palmeiras, earning the Best Newcomer award in the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and winning the Copa do Brasil. In 2016, he took home the Bola de Ouro as Palmeiras claimed their first national league title in over two decades.
Jesus moved to Manchester City in January 2017 for £27 million, where he collected four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and an FA Cup. In July 2022, he joined Arsenal for £45 million. After a long injury layoff during most of 2025, he returned in December with a goal against Aston Villa.
Joshua Zirkzee's Rise
Joshua Zirkzee is another candidate caught in Napoli's sights. The Dutch striker came through Bayern Munich's youth ranks, making 17 senior appearances and spending loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna permanently in August 2022.
Zirkzee's impressive form at Bologna earned him a spot in the 2023–24 Serie A Team of the Year and the Best Under-23 Player award, leading to his transfer to Manchester United in July 2024. Despite this, his current status at Old Trafford has attracted attention from other clubs including Napoli.
Nicolas Jackson's Journey
The third player being considered is Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson. His career began at Casa Sports and Villarreal, with a La Liga debut in 2021. He signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea in 2023 for around £32 million and scored in the 2025 UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis.
Jackson spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Bayern Munich for €16.5 million, scoring in the Champions League against Pafos and helping Bayern win the Bundesliga title that year. With this experience, Napoli is carefully weighing a move for one of these striking options.
