Gabriel Jesus has publicly acknowledged that his status at Arsenal has undergone a significant change, indicating he will take stock of his future at the club when the 2025/26 season draws to a close.
The 27-year-old Brazilian striker, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022, is no longer assured of a starting berth under manager Mikel Arteta and is now considering his options ahead of what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, Jesus was measured but candid about where things stand: “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.”
Despite the uncertainty, Jesus was clear that his immediate commitment remains with the Gunners. He has not sought to distance himself from the club mid-season and has stressed his willingness to contribute in whatever role Arteta requires — a sign of the professionalism the forward has consistently demonstrated throughout his career at the Emirates.
However, it is his comments about Brazilian club Palmeiras that are likely to attract the most attention. Jesus, who came through the Palmeiras academy and won the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Brasileiro with the São Paulo-based club before departing for Manchester City in 2016, did not conceal his long-term desire to return. “I also need to receive an offer from Palmeiras. My relationship with Palmeiras has always been very good and always will be; I have immense gratitude,” he said. “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.”
Jesus has endured a stop-start spell at Arsenal since his arrival. Injuries have been a recurring obstacle, limiting his impact across multiple seasons and preventing him from establishing the consistency that was expected of a marquee signing. His presence in Arteta’s plans has fluctuated as a result, with the likes of Kai Havertz increasingly operating in a forward role.
Arsenal are currently engaged on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, where they face Sporting Lisbon, and a Premier League title race in which they remain in contention. The club’s attacking depth and recruitment decisions in the upcoming transfer window will likely determine whether Jesus has a pathway back to regular first-team football in north London or whether a departure becomes the most logical outcome for all parties.
A return to Palmeiras would represent a significant move, with the Brazilian Serie A giants among the continent’s best-resourced clubs. However, as Jesus noted, any such move would be contingent on a formal offer being made. For now, his focus remains on finishing the season with Arsenal.
