Gabriel Jesus has a “high” probability of leaving Arsenal before the deadline, with the forward already training away from the rest of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
That’s according to ESPN Brazil, who have looked into the 29-year-old’s situation after Arteta addressed his absence from first-team training.
Their information makes it difficult to see Jesus having much of a future at Arsenal. The Brazilian hasn’t played a competitive minute for the Gunners this season.
Both sides are also open to doing business if an offer arrives which works for Arsenal and the player.
Gabriel Jesus wants to stay in England
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts
during the UEFA Champions League
FC INTERNAZIONALE v ARSENAL FC
at San Siro Stadium.
ESPN says Jesus’ initial preference is to remain in English football. That’s interesting given the recent interest coming from pretty much everywhere but England.
Napoli have been pursuing the striker this summer. Atlético Madrid is also in the picture. And the Brazilian isn’t closing himself off to those possibilities.
ESPN explains that while staying in England comes first, Jesus is prepared to listen to proposals from other countries. That even includes alternative destinations such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
A return to Brazil, where Palmeiras are regularly linked with their former player, is considered “quite unlikely” at this stage. Jesus’ salary would be difficult for Brazilian clubs to accommodate. His own preference is also to explore other markets first.
Most importantly, there’s confidence from the player’s side that a transfer can still be completed despite the deadline approaching.
Willian advises him to stay in Premier League
Jesus’ desire to remain in England has received some backing from a player who knows his situation particularly well. Willian also found himself out of the picture at Arsenal before returning to Brazil with Corinthians in 2021.
That move didn’t work out, and he eventually returned to the Premier League with Fulham. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Willian was asked what he would do in Jesus’ position.
“I would stay [in England], because of the experience I had,” he said. “I would choose to stay, not to leave. I’d try, somehow, to find another situation and continue playing there.”
Willian stressed that the final call is Jesus’ to make, but repeated his advice: “It’s a personal decision, a decision only he can make, but from my own experience, I would definitely stay.”
That appears to match Jesus’ own thinking. The problem is finding that Premier League opportunity before the window shuts.
Arsenal appear ready to negotiate, Jesus is training separately and those close to him believe a move can still happen. If another English club wants him, the Brazilian’s preference gives them a pretty clear advantage in the final days of the window.
