Gabriel Jesus has talked up a fairytale return back to Palmeiras, the Brazilian club he previously played for, as his Arsenal contract continues to wind down and his minutes are limited
Gabriel Jesus could soon face a decision on his Arsenal future
Gabriel Jesus could soon face a decision on his Arsenal future
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Gabriel Jesus has confessed that he has a "desire to one day return to Palmeiras" with his Arsenal contract soon to enter its final 12 months.
The Brazilian has spent the bulk of his career playing in the Premier League, originally with Manchester City, but his last four years have been spent at the Emirates. Jesus spent almost a year out with a serious injury, only returning earlier this season.
Viktor Gyokeres' arrival has seen Jesus face increased competition and his minutes have been limited as a result. This season he's only started two times in the league, making an additional 10 appearances off the bench as he struggles to establish himself as a starter once more.
Arsenal have been in the market for a prolific centre forward and, despite Jesus' obvious qualities, there was always a concern that he would struggle to score with the regularity that the team needed.
The 29-year-old is clearly tempted by a return to his boyhood club Palmeiras, whom he helped win the Brazilian top-flight a decade ago, and they themselves are interested in bringing him back for a second spell.
Jesus told Globo Esporte: “My relationship with Palmeiras has always been very good and always will be – I have immense gratitude. My desire is to one day return to Palmeiras and win even more titles, because I’ve already experienced the taste of winning titles at Palmeiras.
“And it’s something that’s still within me, it’s a very strong desire. I have a contract with Arsenal. Obviously, my situation at Arsenal has changed from what it was before. But my main focus today remains Arsenal, making things happen here, helping in whatever way the manager needs, and then, obviously, when the season is over, we’ll start thinking about it.”
The Brazilian came through the ranks at Palmeiras
The Brazilian came through the ranks at Palmeiras
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In just under four years in north London Jesus has only scored 31 times, admittedly he's had his Arsenal spell disrupted by injuries. In his debut year he found the net 11 times, but has been unable to surpass that figure. In the last two Premier League seasons he's only come up with seven goals.
Jesus switched agents during the January transfer window and is now represented by Italian Giovanni Branchini. The striker has been linked with several Serie A sides - including AC Milan and Juventus - and could choose to prolong his career in Europe.
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