Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has left the door open to leaving the club. The Brazilian talked about his desire to return to Palmeiras, where he played for two seasons at senior level, before joining Manchester City in 2017.
After winning eight major trophies, including the Premier League four times, Jesus left City in favour of Arsenal in 2022. However, his career has been hampered by injuries since then.
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Jesus, 29, suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury at the start of 2025 and only returned to action in December. He has only started two Premier League games after his return this season, playing just 320 minutes in the league in total.
Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title in over 20 years, but a recent wobble has seen them land in hot waters. The defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday now means that if Manchester City beat Arsenal next weekend and win both their games in hand, Pep Guardiola’s men can win the league on goal difference.
Amid growing pressure within the Arsenal camp, Jesus has opened up on his desire to return to Brazil. He insisted that he wants to help Mikel Arteta and the Gunners, but did not shy away from being open about his future at the end of the season.
Jesus was quoted as saying to Globo Esporte by SportWitness:
“My main focus today is still Arsenal, to make things happen here, to help in the way the coach needs. Then, obviously, when the season ends, we start to think.
“My desire is to return to Palmeiras one day and win more titles. I’ve already felt what it’s like to win there. That’s still in me, it’s a very strong desire.”
Jesus added that he had the chance to speak with Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira during his recent visit to the club:
“I had the opportunity to talk with him for more than an hour two or three times when I went to train at Palmeiras. We always spoke well, about football and life.”
Jesus has another year remaining in his contract at the Emirates. But he’s unlikely to play regular football with Viktor Gyokeres ahead of him in the pecking order.
Arsenal open to selling Jesus, but first priority remains Europe: Reports
Last month, a report from Brazilian outlet UOL (h/t SportWitness) claimed that the Gunners are expecting Jesus to move on this summer. However, it does not mention anything about an immediate return to Brazil.
Jesus is reportedly keen on staying in Europe, with the player holding out for a long-term contract. His plan is to spend three or four more years competing at the top level before eventually returning to his homeland.
The attacker changed his agent in January and is now being represented by Giovanni Branchini, who is known for his strong connections in the Italian market. As such, there is talk of AC Milan being interested in signing Jesus. However, it remains to be seen whether the deal comes to fruition this summer.
Edited by Nived Zenith
