Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has broken his silence on his future plans, confirming his long-term ambition to return to Brazilian club Palmeiras while revealing a proposed Premier League move has been blocked.
Injury struggles and transfer speculation
The 28-year-old Brazilian international has endured an injury-plagued spell at the Emirates Stadium since his £45 million transfer from Manchester City in 2022. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Jesus has managed just 96 appearances and 26 goals across three seasons, with persistent fitness issues hampering his progress.
Recent speculation had linked the striker with a potential move to Everton, but Arsenal have firmly closed the door on any such transfer. The Gunners are determined to keep Jesus despite his reduced role in Mikel Arteta's plans this season.
Return to roots planned
In a candid interview, Jesus outlined his ultimate career objective. "I've never had contact with another club, and my desire, as I say, is to return to Palmeiras, and Palmeiras' desire is for me to return to Palmeiras," he stated.
However, the forward emphasised that any return to his first professional club would be carefully timed. "When I feel it's time to return to Palmeiras, I'll decide that with Arsenal, but we're talking about a player who's been out for nine months and is now fighting to get back into the team."
Arteta's backing remains strong
Despite Jesus's injury troubles and public comments about his future, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has thrown his full support behind the Brazilian. The Spanish coach described Jesus as "very unpredictable, full of energy, super competitive" and expressed excitement about his imminent return to fitness.
Arteta specifically highlighted Jesus's importance to the squad depth, noting: "We need those options, and what an option to have with Gabi." This endorsement suggests Jesus remains part of Arteta's plans for the immediate future, even as the striker eyes a eventual return to Brazil.
Before his Premier League career began, Jesus made his name at Palmeiras, scoring 28 goals in 83 appearances before his £27 million move to Manchester City. During his time at Etihad Stadium, he collected four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three Carabao Cups, establishing himself as one of the league's most effective forwards.
