Gabriel Jesus was absent from Arsenal training on Thursday as Mikel Arteta admitted the striker is dealing with a “personal situation” during the final days of the transfer window.
Arsenal remain open to offers for the Brazilian, who has entered the final year of his contract and has fallen behind other attacking options in Arteta’s squad.
Napoli have been linked with Jesus, although Arsenal’s reported £20million valuation and the forward’s wages have complicated a potential move.
🚨BREAKING! 💣
Gabriel Jesus currently prefers to COMPLETE the final year of his contract with Arsenal, even if he is the third-choice striker. 🇧🇷 🪄
ℹ️ @UOLEsporte pic.twitter.com/O7Ri5oCMiJ
— AFC Xtra (@AFC__Xtra) August 26, 2026
Gabriel Jesus absent from Arsenal training
Jesus did not take part in Thursday morning’s training session ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.
Asked about his absence, Arteta indicated that squad numbers and the player’s individual circumstances were behind the decision.
“It’s something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment.”
Arteta added that Arsenal were managing players who have “personal situations” individually.
When pressed on whether that meant Jesus could be close to leaving, the Arsenal manager refused to elaborate further.
“Personal situations, whatever they are. I think that’s clear.”
The Standard reports that Arsenal are open to offers for Jesus, with Napoli among the clubs to have shown interest.
The latest development comes as Arsenal attempt to resolve several outgoing situations before the transfer window closes.
ReadArsenal examined the major transfer decisions still facing Arteta and Andrea Berta earlier this week, with Jesus’ future one of the outstanding questions.
Gabriel Martinelli is also closing in on a move to Al-Hilal, while Reiss Nelson has now agreed to terminate his Arsenal contract by mutual consent.
Jesus’ absence from training does not confirm that a transfer is imminent.
Arteta’s comments do, however, provide the clearest indication yet that his situation is being actively managed as Arsenal decide whether the 29-year-old remains part of the squad beyond the transfer deadline.
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Arsenal agree to terminate Reiss Nelson contract by mutual consent
Arsenal agree to terminate Reiss Nelson contract by mutual consent