Who is Botafogo’s Igor Jesus? Brazil international striker wanted by Arsenal & Chelsea this January

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€15m market value 

©IMAGO

Brazil, a country synonymous with the beautiful game, continues to be one of the biggest talent factories in world football. In recent years the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have left South America and lit up European football. Many younger stars are now switching continents as teenagers, as the aforementioned duo did, as Endrick did last summer to Real Madrid, and how Palmeiras’ Estêvão will to Chelsea next July. However, one slightly more seasoned Brazilian could soon swap São Paulo for London, with plenty of hype being created around Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.

Rumour

Igor Jesus

Centre-Forward

Botafogo		23 %		Arsenal
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A				Premier League

Recent reports have suggested Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs watching the Brazil international, with Fulham also rumoured to be interested. It was even reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected. It’s been an unusual journey for the 23-year-old striker in the game so far. Thiago Rabelo works for Transfermarkt, and is a renowned Brazilian journalist –  he tells us more about Jesus’ path to date: “Igor Jesus was a very interesting surprise in Brazilian football in 2024. As he was transferred very early to Shabab Al-Ahli, many fans didn’t know him too well in the country. He had a very good start to his career for Coritiba in 2020, but was soon sold to Arab football for €2 million.” So could the next step on Jesus’ unorthodox journey be to the Premier League and what type of player would the English top-flight be gaining?

So what attributes could Jesus bring to the Premier League? Rabelo explains more: “Igor Jesus is a centre-forward with very good versatility. He’s not a strong player who only plays all time in the box. He likes to get out wide and is capable of playing on the wings of the pitch for a team-mate to infiltrate the centre.” Hearing that assessment, it is hard not to draw comparisons with another Jesus at Arsenal in Gabriel Jesus, who also likes to drift wide and build up play. In which case, questions could be asked as to whether this Jesus is really the holy grail the Gunners need right now.

“It’s hard to say at this moment in time if Igor Jesus has a successful Premier League profile.” Rabelo added. “Although he had a great final half of the year at Botafogo, he needs to show more regularity, and consistency. He has some qualities to compete in the Premier League – he’s strong, fast and a powerful finisher, he is not a player who stands still waiting for the ball. That’s a good thing and helps him to think bigger in European football.” It’s certainly true that Arsenal, among other potential Premier League suitors, need to add pace to their front-line, and Jesus could tick that box.

His journey has been touched upon, but just how did Jesus end up returning to his native Brazil five years after leaving for Asia? “Despite his young age (still just 23), Igor Jesus played five seasons in Arab football and returned to Brazil in July 2024 because of a Botafogo performance analyst who knew the player from his Curitiba time.” Rabelo explains. Botafogo brought Jesus back to Brazil on a free transfer, but he commands a current market value of €15m. Although, the club are likely to demand more to allow him to leave this January, “Publicly, Botafogo say they want to receive €30m to sell Igor Jesus, but an offer of €23-25m could be enough for the player to leave Brazil,” Rabelo concluded.

Where Jesus has perhaps caught the eye of the footballing world most in recent times is through his exploits with the Brazilian national team. After making his debut in October, Jesus has started all of Brazil’s last four internationals as no.9. Considering the plethora of attacking talent at the nation’s disposal that is some feat, and has grown the forward’s reputation massively. “For the Brazilian national team, he played four games. In a few, he showed be a very good no.9, scoring a goal against Chile. But he still needs to show a bit more to get in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.” Rabelo revealed. It’s been some impact, but could the Jesus who has taken the place of Jesus for Brazil, do the same at Arsenal? Only time will tell.