The January transfer window is a time for big decisions and it looks like Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have already made the big one.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appear determined to keep Gabriel Jesus, despite reports that he will be let go in January. Jesus’ future in north London seemed uncertain after Victor Goqueres arrived from Sporting Lisbon for £63.7m last summer.
However, with the former Manchester City forward seemingly having overcome his injury problems, Arteta has apparently had a change of heart and is now keen to give him another chance. Gokeres is finding it difficult to adapt to the Premier League, so it looks like Jesus will need to help the Gunners in their four-competition challenge.
He featured in Arsenal’s League Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace, but was substituted before Arteta’s side won on penalties. Until the January transfer window, it was almost certain that Jesus would leave the club, but it now appears that he is likely to stay.
read more: Liverpool could look at ideal Harvey Elliott scenario as part of ‘new contract’ renewalread more: Marc Göch moves to Liverpool, Arne Slott makes new decision with clear club stance
According to The Athletic, Arsenal will likely keep the Brazilian for as long as possible. It is thought that the North Londoners will be in no rush to sign new players as they field one of the strongest teams in Europe.
It has also been reported that Jesus has “reiterated his position as an important figure” within Arteta’s team, indicating that he is no longer considered expendable. Back in October, the Mail suggested Arsenal were likely to sell Jesus after Christmas.
Arsenal appear to want to keep Jesus in order to ensure adequate cover in their forward areas. Due to Gokeres’ injury in November, Mikel Merino, a natural midfielder, was forced to play as center forward.
But with Jesus back to full fitness, Arteta has promised the 64-capped Brazil international more opportunities. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s League Cup game against Palace, Arteta said: “You can see how much he wants it, not just in the games but in training every day. He should get his chance soon.”
“I saw the way he moved and how much he wanted it when he was off the field for seven months. I think he wrote a beautiful letter (to the Players’ Tribune) explaining what football meant to him and how it affected his life. It was beautiful.”
“I think that’s probably Gabi’s biggest quality: uniting people, connecting with people, creating a lot of uncertainty for the opponents. You saw him involved in a lot of spaces[against Everton]and that’s his biggest quality. So we need to take advantage of that.
“I would say it’s been a really intense journey. I think when he joined us he added to the belief, spirit and energy of the club and the team.
“I think he showed something completely different than what we’ve had before, which was really impressive. And he had some really bad injuries that didn’t allow us to get the consistency that we look for in a very important player.”
“But he’s back. His fighting spirit, his willingness to always prepare in the best way… it’s unbelievable. The team has it now and we need to take advantage of it.”
Jesus is keen to feature in Arsenal’s home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27th. They remain two points behind Premier League leaders City.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
