‘Everton to strike loan-to-buy deal for Gabriel Jesus’ as approach made for Arsenal striker
Everton may only pursue a loan deal for Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window.
The Arsenal striker has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium after the big-money arrival of Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, and that has prompted other Premier League clubs to take notice.
Everton briefly made an approach for Jesus at the end of the summer, and their interest hasn’t died down at all ahead of the mid-season window.
David Moyes and Co. already have a list of targets drawn up to add depth to their attacking options, and the Brazilian is a clear option for them as the window approaches.
Gabriel Jesus on three-man Everton shortlist as injury concern raised
Everton have Gabriel Jesus as part of their three-man striker shortlist this winter, alongside the duo of Ivan Toney and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, the 28-year-old may prove to be an unreachable target for the Toffees, with Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett suggesting that Mikel Arteta is unlikely to allow any of his group to leave during the season.
The former Manchester City star has only recently returned to full training in North London, after missing the last 10 months with an ACL injury that he sustained back in January.
Ex-Everton scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Jesus’ injury should be a major concern for the Merseysiders, and feels that they should only be chasing a loan move for him at first.
“You’ve got to be very careful spending money when someone is coming back from an injury like that,” King said.
“If you’re going to spend and he breaks down straight away, then that’s not good business. I’d be very cautious on that one as a potential buying club.
“If I were Everton, I’d be looking to take him on loan initially, with an option to buy him. He’s a good player, that’s not in question. But when you’ve had that kind of injury, there’s always a possibility that he could break down again.”
- Read More: Everton backed to seal £30m Gabriel Jesus transfer with Arsenal star thought to be keen on move
Beto outperformed Gabriel Jesus in the Premier League last term
Everton’s striker pursuit stems from Beto’s poor form of late, but there is clear evidence that Jesus would not provide an effective solution to the Toffees’ issues in front of goal.
Beto is often heavily criticised by the fanbase for his perceived lack of quality in front of goal, but in reality, he actually outperformed Jesus in three vital metrics in Premier League action in 2024-25.
| Beto | Stats | Jesus |
| 30 | Apps | 17 |
| 8 | Goals | 3 |
| 7.86 | xG | 2.99 |
| 16% | Conversion Rate | 15% |
| 193mins | Goalscoring Frequency | 209mins |
The Guinea-Bissau international’s tally of eight league strikes was far better than Jesus’ three, but these two aspects of his game are perhaps a better benchmark given the Arsenal star’s injury issues.
Beto boasted a stronger conversion rate than Jesus last term, and also finished the campaign with a better goalscoring frequency, which highlights that his finishing is clearly superior.
Given that Everton would likely be looking to replace their current number nine if they did bring a new face in, this is enough evidence alone that Jesus is simply not the man for the job.
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