Arsenal have now made a decision on what to do with Gabriel Jesus this summer, as interest has been shown from a club in Saudi Arabia.
Gabriel Jesus still has plenty to prove at Arsenal.
When the Brazilian first arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, he had a huge and immediate impact.
The striker added dynamism and flair to Mikel Arteta’s side, and looked set to quickly establish himself as the centrepiece of the Gunners’ attacking contingent. However, a knee injury picked up during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar stalled his progress, and the 27-year-old has struggled to recapture his best form ever since.
Jesus only managed four Premier League goals last season, as his fitness issues have endured and his form has declined. He can now be reasonably considered to have fallen behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order.
Jesus has promised Arsenal fans that he will endeavour to become more prolific, but in truth he is never going to be the most reliable goalscorer. However, this matters less when he is able to improve those around him, helping to knit together Arsenal’s play at the top of the pitch, and terrorising defences with his skill and directness.
How Gabriel Jesus convinced Mikel Arteta and Edu to save his Arsenal future
It has been a while, though, since Jesus has been able to dazzle in such a manner on a consistent basis.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahly have now shown an interest in signing Jesus, leaving Arteta with a huge decision to make this summer. The Spanish coach must make a call on whether the forward can get back to his best for the Gunners, or if now is the time to cash in.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal have held “crunch” talks with Jesus to determine his future. Jesus was able to convince Arteta and sporting director Edu that with “renewed focus and commitment” he can overcome his fitness issues.
With Arteta convinced that the attacker can put his injury concerns behind him and get back to his best, the decision has been made to keep him at the club this summer.
Should Arsenal consider Jesus transfer?
Despite Jesus’ conviction that he can stay fit and get back to firing on all cylinders, Arsenal are taking a risk by disregarding Al-Ahly’s interest. Opportunities to get the Brazil international’s wages off the books could prove hard to come by if his struggles do continue.
Equally, Arsenal are keen to sign another attacker this summer, who could force Jesus even further down the pecking order.
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