FOOTBALL
Posted on February 26, 2026 8:50 pm | Updated on February 26, 2026 8:51 pm
Arsenal are top of the Premier League and five points clear after beating Tottenham 4-1. But big changes are coming in this summer. Club legends say a player Mikel Arteta really loves could be sold. Many other stars have been told they might have to leave too.
The Player Arteta Loves: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is the player Mikel Arteta loves. The Brazilian striker joined Arsenal in 2022. He works hard every time he plays. Arteta once said: “I love his mentality. It doesn’t matter how long he plays, when he plays, in which position, he always gives absolutely everything.”
But Gabriel Jesus has not played much lately. He came back from injury in December and has started only six games this season. He is 28 now and wants to play every week. Many fans still like him, but his future looks unsure.
Ray Parlour Says Jesus Might Leave
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour thinks Gabriel Jesus could go at the end of this season. Parlour played for Arsenal in their last title-winning years. He told reporters: “I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season. He is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out. We could lose him.”
Parlour said Arsenal should sign another striker anyway. When he played, Arsenal had four strikers. He thinks extra competition helps everyone get better. “Bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set,” he added.
Jesus has scored goals and have always helped the team, but with Viktor Gyokeres now leading the line, his chances are fewer.
Flurry of Stars Told They’ll Be Sold
Former Arsenal player Perry Groves says a big clear-out is coming. He believes many stars will be sold because the squad is so strong. Too many good players cannot all play every week.
Names in the spotlight include:
Ethan Nwaneri: The young talent was already playing on loan to Marseille last month so he can play more games.
Martin Odegaard: The captain. His place is not safe anymore. Eberechi Eze scored twice against Tottenham and is pushing very hard.
Other midfield and wide players could go too. New young star Max Dowman is “unbelievable”, says Groves, so some older players may not fit.
Groves explained: “The squad is that strong, and there will be new faces that come in, so there will be a few that will be surplus to requirements. They all want to go and play.”
He thinks players like Nwaneri are right to want more minutes. “Nwaneri quite rightly will be thinking, ‘I want to go and play.’”
Why Arsenal Need Changes
Mikel Arteta has built a very deep squad with star players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gyokeres and now Eze. They are fighting for the title and in the Champions League. But to keep everyone happy and fresh, some must leave.
Selling players will also bring in money for new signings. Arsenal want to get even stronger next season. Groves says not everyone can stay when so many good players are fighting for spots.
Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus wanted by Palmeiras? 💼
Manchester United interested in Noah Sadiki? 🤔
All the latest from the newspapers on Paper Talk 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/XZjMr7jktK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 20, 2026
Can Arsenal Still Win the Title?
Arsenal looks better than ever. They bounced back from a draw against Wolves to hammer Tottenham Hotspur. The fans are excited as the team has belief and quality.
But Arteta must manage the squad carefully. If players feel they have no future, it could affect team spirit. Legends like Parlour and Groves know what it takes to win titles. They want Arteta to keep the best players happy and bring in fresh blood.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Six Sports as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Add as a preferred source on Google
Mentioned in this Article
Recommended for you