After the Arsenal team opted to accept offers for the striker this summer, Gabriel Jesus is determined to stick with the team and battle for his position.
When Arsenal paid £45 million to acquire Jesus from rivals Manchester City in July 2022, it was seen as a game-changing acquisition. He seemed like a terrific fit for the Gunners and quickly rose to the top of Mikel Arteta’s priority list up front.
However, due to injuries, the Brazil international has struggled to find consistency this season. Kai Havertz, a summer acquisition, has taken over the No. 9 spot. Jesus has only started four of the previous 13 league games and has only scored four goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.
Jesus signed a five-year deal with Arsenal upon his arrival; the contract has three years remaining, but the club is open to letting him depart. Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are two strikers who Arteta and sports director Edu are looking to recruit during the summer transfer window.
Jesus is in a precarious situation as a result, but he plans to stick around and defend his spot on the team this summer rather than leave. Though it’s known that Arteta adores Jesus as a player and a team leader, he still plans to buy a new striker this summer.
Jesus feels that he may be back to his best self in 2024–2025, despite his struggles this season with hamstring and knee issues. “I had surgery again, missed preseason, and had a few more injuries, so this season has been tough,” he remarked. “I’m trying my hardest to support the team and am hoping to maintain my fitness so that I can participate in the entire preseason this summer.” From then, it might change the situation.
It’s unclear if any of the three teams—Juventus, Napoli, and Atletico Madrid—will give him a look when the summer transfer market starts in June 14. Jesus has received a lot of praise from Arteta, who expressed his feelings about him in October following his goal in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Sevilla.
He had a purpose for coming here. He, in my opinion, altered our world. Arteta stated that he gave that squad too much faith and vigor. “In certain situations, he must step up. It’s what he did. At that point, a player starts to take responsibility for the group. He’s really important. His presence has altered our energies. Big players should play these games. It is what he has demonstrated tonight.
Jesus has three more games left in the Premier League with Arsenal this season before he returns to Brazil for international duty. The Copa America, which will take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14, is anticipated to have him on the roster.
