Arsenal reportedly plan to part ways with Gabriel Jesus in the upcoming January transfer window, as ESPN Brazil reports that the club informed him, he can look for a new team. The move comes after Mikel Arteta’s major summer reshuffle, which has seen opportunities become limited for several first-team players this season.
Arteta’s Squad Overhaul and Jesus’ Uncertain Role
Mikel Arteta had one goal in mind going into the 2025/26 season – it was time to end north London’s long wait for a league title that stretched over two decades. The Gunners spent big in the summer recruitment, making eight new signings including seven in permanent deals. One of those additions was Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres and it has left Jesus with no real future at the club.
Gabriel Jesus got off to a good start in the eventful season that followed his departure from Manchester City for Arsenal in 2022, since when he has struggled with inconsistency and injury. Recurring knee issues have constantly restricted his involvement, and many saw his absence from Arsenal’s Champions League squad this season as a clear indication of his ambiguous standing under Arteta.
Reporters Andre Hernan and Bruno Andrade revealed that Arsenal’s management has already spoken directly with Jesus’ representatives, signaling that the player could be sold in the next transfer window. Both Arteta and the club’s hierarchy reportedly welcome a move if the right offer arrives, especially with Gyökeres and other attacking options now sitting ahead of the Brazilian in the pecking order.
Palmeiras and Flamengo Monitoring Situation
ESPN Brazil sources say Arsenal will allow Gabriel Jesus to go back to Brazil this winter if they can strike a deal, with Palmeiras and Flamengo interested. Palmeiras chief Leila Pereira had apparently approached the forward earlier in the year before the club signed Vitor Roque, although Jesus turned that down at the time.
“Gabriel Jesus looks much more towards staying in Europe than coming back to Brazil,” said Hernan, noting that the forward’s preference remains to continue his career in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, with Arsenal open to his exit, South American clubs have now been placed on alert regarding his availability.
Andrade added that, “The club told Gabriel Jesus’ entourage that there’s a chance he could leave. Both Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are open to a sale in the next transfer window.”
As for Arsenal, the decision looks like a mix of tactics and longer term thinking. Since then, Arteta’s side have attempted to construct a more physically imposing frontline capable of squeezing from the front, a signing in the form of Gyokeres responds to this. For all of Jesus’ technical ability and versatility, he doesn’t really fit the attacking mould that Arsenal are looking to build on at this moment.
Author’s View
The potential exit of Gabriel Jesus is a major step in Arsenal’s modern rebuild. His impact in the opening weeks of Arteta’s regime couldn’t be denied but his injury record and inconsistent finishing have raised doubt over his long-term worth.
If he does depart in January, Arsenal will probably look for a younger, more resilient alternative to fit their developing attack. For Jesus, a transfer—be it to Brazil or an alternative European club—might present him with an opportunity to reboot his career and restore the form which previously made him among the Premier League’s most thrilling frontmen.
In the end, this does seem a decision taken with sentiment and calculation in equal parts. Arsenal’s aspirations require unremitting consistency and availability—two things that Jesus has failed to deliver. A January departure might thus be in everyone’s best interests as the Gunners pursue their quest for domestic and European glory.
