Gabriel Jesus
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has dropped a major transfer hint about his future, as the Brazilian continues to recover from an ACL injury.
The Brazilian striker, who swapped Manchester City for Arsenal in a £45 million move back in 2022, has scored 26 goals across 96 appearances for the Gunners. He was instrumental in Mikel Arteta’s early push for silverware, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress in North London.
Jesus has been sidelined since picking up a serious ACL injury against Manchester United in January. Describing it as the most difficult setback of his career, the 28-year-old insists his rehabilitation is going well as he edges closer to a return.
“I’m feeling great, my knee is responding very well,” Jesus told Arsenal’s matchday programme. “I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long… this one is the biggest injury I’ve had in my life.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta uses Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea defeats to send warning to Arsenal stars
“So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work off the pitch, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line. When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite speculation that Arsenal might entertain offers for him in January, Jesus, who is under contract until 2027 insists he remains firmly in Arteta’s plans. He has also reiterated his commitment to Arsenal, stressing that he plans to remain at the club until the end of his contract, though he concedes he would be open to rejoining his former side Palmeiras in the future.
“Every day, the [Arsenal] coach and the board say they’re eager for my return,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I don’t see myself outside the club’s plans. I have a contract until 2027, and if it’s not renewed by then, I’ll be at the club at least until 2027.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Still, the rumours surrounding a potential return to Palmeiras refuse to go away. Club president Leila Pereira recently hinted at the possibility, declaring: “Gabriel Jesus, I’ll say more. Soon you’re coming back home, Gabriel! One day you’ll return.”
Jesus, who rose through the ranks at Palmeiras before earning a £27 million move to Manchester City, admits he maintains a strong emotional bond with the Brazilian champions.
“That interest will always be there, both from them and from me,” he admitted. “But there’s been nothing formal. It’s the natural interest of a kid who came through the Palmeiras youth system, went to Europe, and obviously wants to return one day. Everyone at the club knows that.
“I’m a player, and it’s a little harder to say, but when I feel like returning to Brazil, which isn’t the case right now, my desire is and always will be Palmeiras.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Jamie Carragher names Arsenal star as Premier League’s most influential player