Arsenal have not entered talks to extend the contract of forward Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
Football.London claim the decision not to commence negotiations demonstrates a new “cutthroat approach” from sporting director Andrea Berta.
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Jesus has made it clear that he would like to stay at the Emirates beyond his current deal, which expires in the summer of 2027.
However, it does seem like those appeals will go unheeded, and it raises the prospect of the former Manchester City player being let go at the end of this season.
Arteta has often praised the striker’s “unique” abilities
Speaking just over a year ago, following his hat-trick against Crystal Palace, manager Mikel Arteta made his feelings clear on what Jesus offers the Gunners:
“He brings something. He has a quality, he has a way of creating, generating, situations that is quite unique. So Gabby at that level obviously is a big asset for us.”
Just a few weeks after that Palace fixture, Jesus picked up an ACL injury, and the player’s fitness record is probably at the heart of why he may not get a contract extension.
Jesus has missed 80 games since joining Arsenal
The Brazilian international has struggled to stay on the pitch since his move from Manchester City three and a half years ago.
Jesus have suffered five separate knee injuries (including the ACL in January last year), having also picked up groin and hamstring problems. He has missed a total of 80 matches for both club and country as a result.
You also have to consider that the striker will turn 29 in April, so combined with his injury history, it is not a surprise that Andrea Berta is reluctant to keep him beyond his current contract. A parting of ways this summer looks to be on the cards.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here