Arsenal have tabled an offer for Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

The forward played a key role in helping his club win the Copa Libertadores for the first time back in November and RTI Esporte claim the Gunners have made an approach.

It is believed that Mikel Arteta’s side proposed a loan bid, with an option to buy for around €20m (£16.6m) at the end of the season.

RTI Esporte report that the offer was rejected out of hand by Botafogo, who are not interested in loaning him out under any circumstances.

Jesus has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract and owner John Textor has made it clear that he is not interested in selling the Brazilian below that figure.

The American businessman previously revealed that he had spoken to West Ham and four other Premier League clubs about the forward.

What do fans need to know about Jesus?

The 23-year-old’s career path has been rather unusual. He started out in Coritiba’s academy, making his senior debut in 2019.

Jesus made 49 appearances for the Brazilian second-division outfit before making the move to the United Arab Emirates in the Autumn of 2020, joining Shabab Al-Ahli for €2m.

The forward scored 43 goals in three and a half years in the Middle East prior to moving back to Brazil on a free transfer last summer. Jesus has gone on to score 8 goals and provide 5 assists in 31 appearances for Botafogo.

Arsenal targeted him as a replacement for Saka

The interest in Jesus is thought to be related to the injury sustained by Bukayo Saka, who could be out until April with a hamstring injury that he sustained against Crystal Palace.

Jesus is usually deployed as a No.9 but the Gunners clearly feel that he can be used in wide positions too.

Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here