Napoli are exploring a striking triple raid on the Premier League as they search for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
The Serie A champions have made enquiries about Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee and Nicolas Jackson, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, with all three forwards being considered as Napoli assess their options following Romelu Lukaku’s departure.
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However, this is not three simultaneous transfer negotiations. Napoli are exploring several possibilities and must first make room in their squad before progressing towards a concrete deal.
Napoli’s search has suddenly widened
Napoli's attacking plans have changed following Lukaku's move to Fenerbahçe.
The club already have options including Rasmus Højlund, David Neres, Matteo Politano and Alisson Santos, but the hierarchy still wants another attacking option.
That search has now taken Napoli towards England.
Gabriel Jesus is a long-standing name on their radar, while Zirkzee and Jackson have emerged as alternative possibilities. Di Marzio reports that Napoli have made enquiries about all three players.
The sheer number of options suggests the club are trying to identify the best opportunity rather than committing to one target immediately.
Gabriel Jesus remains the dream
Jesus appears to be the most established name in Napoli's plans.
The Brazilian has already won major honours in England with Manchester City and Arsenal, but his situation at Arsenal has created uncertainty over his long-term future.
Napoli's interest in Jesus is not entirely new. Italian reports have described him as a major attacking target, although a deal would depend on Arsenal's demands and the player's situation.
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There is also an important complication.
Recent reporting in Brazil suggested that Jesus preferred to remain at Arsenal despite Napoli's interest, meaning Napoli would have to convince both the club and player before anything could develop.
Zirkzee offers Napoli a familiar Serie A option
Joshua Zirkzee presents a different proposition.
Unlike Jesus and Jackson, the Manchester United forward already knows Serie A extremely well after his successful spell at Bologna.
His performances during the 2023/24 season helped earn him a move to Manchester United, where he has since struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter.
Napoli have now made an enquiry about the Dutchman, according to reports citing Di Marzio.
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A return to Italy could therefore represent an attractive solution for both player and club if Manchester United are prepared to negotiate.
Jackson is another intriguing possibility
Nicolas Jackson completes Napoli's shortlist.
The Chelsea striker has attracted interest from several clubs as his future at Stamford Bridge becomes increasingly uncertain, with Napoli among the sides exploring the possibility of a move.
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Jackson would offer Napoli a different profile from Zirkzee and Jesus, combining athleticism with experience in the Premier League.
But again, Napoli have not reached an agreement.
At this stage, Jackson is another option being assessed rather than a player on the verge of moving to Naples.
Napoli must make room first
The biggest detail in the story could actually have little to do with the three Premier League forwards.
Napoli reportedly need an exit in their attacking department before making a concrete move for one of their targets.
Noa Lang is among the players who could leave, with Atalanta reportedly interested. Should Napoli create space and funds through a departure, their attention could then turn towards one of Jesus, Zirkzee or Jackson.
That makes the next few days particularly important.
Napoli are not simply choosing between three strikers.
They are first trying to create the conditions for a new signing.
Which striker makes the most sense?
Each option would give Napoli something different.
Jesus brings elite experience and a proven record at the highest level, but his fitness history and Arsenal situation make the deal complicated.
Zirkzee offers Serie A experience and could potentially slot into Italian football more quickly than a player returning from England with no previous Serie A background.
Jackson provides pace and physicality and remains a player with significant upside, although Chelsea's valuation and his own situation would need to be resolved.
For now, Napoli appear determined to keep their options open.
And with the transfer window approaching its final stages, that flexibility could prove crucial.
Fan Debate
⚽ Goal: Which striker should Napoli sign?
🔥 Fire: Would Gabriel Jesus be Napoli's best option?
😲 Shock: Could Zirkzee return to Serie A and rediscover his best form?
👍 Like: Would Nicolas Jackson fit Napoli's attack?
💬 Comment: If you were Napoli, who would you choose — Jesus, Zirkzee or Jackson?
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