Arsenal reportedly make a decision over Gabriel Jesus’s future amid speculation linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer despite talk over a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian spent five years with Manchester City before he completed a £45m transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2022.
Jesus enjoyed a reasonably successful first season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 26 Premier League matches despite missing just over two months with a knee injury.
However, he could only muster four goals and five assists in 27 top-flight appearances during a tumultuous 2023-24 campaign.
Jesus was hampered by knee and hamstring issues and had to settle for 17 Premier League starts amid competition from Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah.
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Arsenal want to keep Jesus
The Gunners are ready to offload Nketiah this summer, while there has also been speculation over Jesus’s future, especially with Arsenal keen to sign a new number.
However, according to Football Insider, the Gunners do not want to sell Jesus despite reported interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal are believed to be bracing themselves for offers, with speculation suggesting Al-Ahli are among the striker’s potential suitors.
The Saudi Arabian club are looking to add Jesus to a squad which already features Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.
The Gunners are at least in a strong negotiating position, with the forward under contract until the summer of 2027.
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Could Jesus still leave this summer?
Jesus is understood to be content with his current situation at the Emirates Stadium, but his mood could change if he starts the season on the bench.
The 27-year-old is already facing a battle to move ahead of Havertz in the pecking order, while there is the potential that he could struggle for regular game time if Arsenal sign a new striker this summer.
After missing out on Brazil’s Copa America squad, Jesus will be keen to get regular minutes to force his way back into the national team setup.
With that in mind, he may consider a summer departure if it becomes clear that he is not a major part of Mikel Arteta‘s plans for the new season.