Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports that Gabriel Jesus could leave Arsenal during the January transfer window, insisting there is "no sense" in the speculation. The Brazilian has been linked with a return to Palmeiras, his former club in Brazil, after a difficult spell at the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old has scored only one goal in his past 31 appearances for Arsenal, and has lost his place in the Brazil national squad. Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £45 million, and still has two and a half years remaining on his contract.
Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta addressed the reports from Brazil, ruling out any mid-season departure. He said: "No, no sense." The Arsenal manager also offered his support to Jesus, acknowledging the challenges strikers face during lean spells.
"Like all strikers, they go on phases and moments and that gap is becoming big," Arteta said. "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."
Jesus has made just six starts for Arsenal this season, with a further twelve substitute appearances, and his last start came in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on November 23. He could feature in Wednesday's Champions League match against Monaco, with Arteta open to rotating his starting lineup.
