Injured since January 2025, Gabriel Jesus is close to a return to the pitch, but not at Arsenal, where he has lost his place. An exotic destination is emerging for the Brazilian striker in the winter transfer window.
Having arrived at Arsenal in summer 2022 for £45m, Gabriel Jesus was supposed to bring his experience to the Gunners to go and secure a Premier League title. Whilst the London club are well placed to achieve this objective, it is not thanks to the Brazilian striker's performances, having suffered a cruciate ligament rupture at the start of the year. Without him, Arsenal are managing very well.
Even though Gabriel Jesus' return to competition is close, Arsenal recruited Viktor Gyokeres this summer and also use Mikel Merino in a number nine role. The 28-year-old player, who has suffered several injuries in recent seasons, no longer features in Mikel Arteta's plans. According to information from outlet Football Insider, Palmeiras would be the favourites to obtain the former Manchester City striker's services.
Return to roots in January to relaunch Gabriel Jesus?
Arsenal are already planning to sell Gabriel Jesus during the winter transfer window. The player is still under contract until June 2027 and is still worth around £20m according to Transfermarkt. A product of Palmeiras' academy, Gabriel Jesus could therefore make his return to his former club, ten years after leaving the Brazilian side, currently second in their league.
Like Neymar who returned to Santos, Gabriel Jesus hopes to regain his touch in his native country. The objective is obviously first to find playing time again and his goalscoring instinct. For Arsenal, a sale will lighten the finances but also the wage bill as the Brazilian has one of the club's highest salaries. With 26 goals in 96 matches, Gabriel Jesus will not have left an indelible memory with the Gunners.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
