Arsenal are poised for a dramatic January transfer window, with reports indicating that the club is ready to entertain offers for their £45million striker, Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City in July 2022, could be on the verge of a sensational departure as Mikel Arteta reshapes his squad for the second half of the 2025/26 season.
Jesus arrived at the Emirates with high expectations, with Arteta banking on his former Manchester City charge to fill the void left by departing forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 28-year-old enjoyed a promising debut campaign, netting 11 goals across all competitions. However, his output has dwindled significantly since, with just seven Premier League goals over the past two seasons. Persistent fitness issues, culminating in a torn ACL suffered during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January 2025, have sidelined him for the entirety of the current term.
The emergence of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, combined with Kai Havertz’s versatility as a false nine, has pushed Jesus further down Arsenal’s pecking order. According to Mail Online, the Brazilian’s injury against United could mark his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt, with the club now open to offers for the former City star. Despite Jesus’ contract running until June 2027, Arsenal’s hierarchy appears ready to cash in as part of a broader squad overhaul.
Interest in Jesus is already mounting, with Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Palmeiras reportedly keen to bring the striker back to his homeland. Closer to home, Everton are said to be serious contenders for his signature, eyeing a potential January swoop to bolster their attacking options. Arsenal’s willingness to listen to offers suggests a pragmatic approach, especially after a busy summer of spending that saw the club splash out on Gyokeres and others.
The Gunners’ recent transfer strategy has leaned heavily on streamlining the squad. The 2024/25 campaign saw several players depart, with Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, and Albert Sambi Lokonga sold for modest fees, while Jakub Kiwior, Karl Hein, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Fabio Vieira left on loan. High-profile names like Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, and Jorginho also exited on free transfers after their contracts expired. Jesus, once a key figure in Arteta’s plans, now appears to be the next in line for the exit door.
Arsenal legend Alan Smith, speaking exclusively to Metro this summer, hinted that Jesus’ time at the club might be nearing its end. “I think somebody like Gabriel Jesus might go given his track record with injuries,” Smith remarked. “He might be one that you say, ‘Thanks!’, and try and move him on, get a bit of money in. Obviously, with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, there might not be too many opportunities for him this season.”
For Jesus, the potential move represents a chance to reignite his career after a frustrating spell in north London. Despite his undeniable talent, the lack of major silverware at Arsenal—compared to his trophy-laden five-and-a-half years at Manchester City, where he won ten titles—has added to the narrative of unfulfilled potential. As he targets a return to fitness in the New Year, a fresh start elsewhere could be exactly what the Brazilian needs.
With Arsenal expecting a relatively quiet winter window, the decision to greenlight Jesus’ exit could be the headline move of January. Whether he returns to Brazil or stays in the Premier League, the striker’s departure would mark the end of a chapter for both player and club, as Arteta continues to mold his squad into title contenders.