Gabriel Jesus drops clear hint over Arsenal future after failed transfer bid
Gabriel Jesus says he 'will not give up' in his bid to become Arsenal's main man following transfer speculation linking him with a move to Brazil.
The former Manchester City ace, 27, has endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign but has found form over the Christmas period, netting six times in just four games. He was on target again in Wednesday night's 3-1 win away at Brentford to keep Arsenal in touch with Liverpool at the Premier League summit.
It had previously seemed as though Jesus could be on his way out of Arsenal given the club's desire to sign a new striker back in the summer. And there has been interest from Jesus' native Brazil, with Palmeiras bidding to bring him back to the club in October.
That approach was rebuffed, though - and Jesus didn't sound like a player with plans to move elsewhere after the Brentford match.
Speaking post-match to TNT Sports, he said: “I keep working and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me but everyone. I don't give up and it is not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal.
“Now I can score and I am very happy - I want to keep scoring to help the team.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked last month about the interest in Jesus from his former club. But he insisted it would make "no sense" to sell the versatile forward in January before backing Jesus to come good in front of goal.
Speaking before Jesus' fine run of form, Arteta said of Arsenal's No.9: “Like all strikers, they go on phases and moments and that gap is becoming big. It’s true that obviously a lot of things has happened, injuries, absences of not playing or starting games that much.
“But his attitude has been really good, it always is, and we’re going to try to help him overcome the situation as soon as possible.”
Although Jesus has hit form at an ideal time, Arsenal continue to be linked with strikers. Wolves forward Mathus Cunha is thought to be a target, and Arteta refused to rule out doing business now the transfer window is open on New Years Day.
“Let’s see. If there’s an opportunity we will look at it,” he said. “Let’s see how we get there. Hopefully, the squad is going to be in a much healthier position than it is right now, but who knows?
“We are prepared if we need to do something, we’re capable of doing something, but then that transfer window is very tricky and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited but we’ll be there.”
Gabriel Jesus has hit form at just the right time for Arsenal over the Christmas period, but the former Manchester City star has been linked with a return to Brazil
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