Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal career has not gone to plan.
The Brazilian joined the Gunners from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and hit the ground running. He had a phenomenal start to the season and played a big part in helping the club become title contenders.
However, an injury during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar changed everything for Jesus, who has had multiple issues since.
That has cost him what could’ve been a great career at Arsenal.
Gabriel Magalhaes appears to have replaced Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal’s leadership group
Gabriel Jesus was immediately a part of Arsenal’s leadership group when he first joined the club.
The former Palmeiras man came into the side with a ton of experience, and the trophies he won at Manchester City made young players look up to him.
Mikel Arteta has always regarded Jesus very highly, and his influence on the less experienced players in the squad has constantly been valued.
However, his role in the Arsenal squad may have changed now.
The Gunners released their official squad photo for the 2025/26 season, and comparing that to the picture from a year ago, there was one very visible change.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka sat on either side of Arteta as the captain and vice-captain, while Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes sat next to them.
In the 2024/25 squad photo, Gabriel didn’t even make the front row. Jesus was the player next to Odegaard back then, but it’s clear now that his role has changed.
Gabriel, who joined Arsenal for £27 million and is a key figure in the leadership group now, wore the captain’s armband in Odegaard and Saka’s absence against Athletic Club in the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus may never play for Arsenal again
It was such a shame to see Jesus suffer an injury in January.
The Brazilian had found his feet again and was looking incredibly dangerous after scoring five goals in back-to-back games against Crystal Palace.
Just when it looked like he would explode, he suffered a serious knee injury and had to undergo surgery as a result.
Arteta confirmed that Jesus is only expected to return in December or January, which is why he was left out of the Champions League squad.
With Arsenal well stocked in attack, it won’t be a surprise at all if Andrea Berta finds a new club for Jesus and moves him on in January – right after he makes his injury return.
That would mean that Jesus could be sold before playing for Arsenal again.
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