EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal finalise Gabriel Jesus plan ahead of showdown talks

Steve Kay

• Updated: 1 May 2024 22:10 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal will have showdown talks with Gabriel Jesus regarding his role within the team moving forward while sources close to the club reveal that neither manager Mikel Arteta nor technical director Edu are keen on seeing the striker depart.

We are told that though concerns linger over the player's fitness and availability, the ambition is to see the 27-year-old remain at the Emirates.

It’s thought that any decision regarding Jesus's future at the club will ultimately rest with the Brazilian himself, though the club will not stand in his way should he express a desire to leave. But suitors must be prepared to meet Arsenal's valuation of at least £50 million to secure the services of the striker.

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Jesus - who has an Estimated Transfer Value of €60.5m - joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 but has struggled with injuries during his time in North London.

How many goals has Gabriel Jesus scored for Arsenal?

Across 66 games in all competitions, Jesus has found the net 19 times. In 24 Premier League encounters this term, Jesus has scored just four goals. The emergence of Kai Havertz as a No.9 has seen Arteta drop Jesus for games, while there is an anticipation that the club will look to sign an elite striker in the forthcoming summer transfer window.

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In April, Jesus told TNT Brazil that his knee is still an issue and he may require surgery. “Even here at Arsenal, there are things that you have to hold on to: go train, play, train today, don't train, play. In short, it's difficult, but my desire is always to be available for both Arsenal and the national team.

“It doesn't matter if, at the end of the season, I have to open up my knee and correct what's getting in the way and end up missing out on a chance to play in the Copa America. I'm just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as much as I can.”