Gabriel Jesus sends emotional nine-word message as Arsenal exit confirmed
Gabriel Jesus was prompted to send an emotional message following the confirmation of an Arsenal exit this summer.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since January with a season-ending cruciate ligament injury, joined by Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber at different points of the season.
A series of injuries blew the Gunners’ chances of beating Liverpool to the Premier League title, and even played a major role in the team being knocked out of the Champions League by the eventual winners, PSG.
Another season without silverware has put Mikel Arteta under serious pressure at Arsenal, having last lifted a trophy in 2019/20, but his squad will be back again next season to push for more.
Jesus will, of course, be hoping to be fit enough to feature once the new campaign rolls around, but one player who will not be a member of the squad is Raheem Sterling, who returns to Chelsea following his loan spell.
With just one goal and five assists in 28 appearances, the temporary signing was a failure for the North Londoners, but he has received an emotional goodbye message, nonetheless.
Gabriel Jesus waves goodbye to Raheem Sterling
Taking to Instagram stories (4 June), Jesus reacted to Sterling’s message, writing: “My guy. It was nice playing with you again,” having been together at Man City for several years.
Mikel Arteta to aim higher with big-name transfers at Arsenal
Football Insider verdict
With supporters becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of winning mentality, Arteta has no choice but to bring some much bigger names to the Emirates this summer.
The striker position was a huge problem for the Gunners throughout the season, especially due to the injuries to Havertz and Jesus, leaving Mikel Merino to fill in as a makeshift centre-forward.
Boasting nine goals and five assists, it certainly worked in the short term, but with Andrea Berta now appointed to help with transfers, there is no excuse for missing out on ideal targets now.
Football Insider understands that Rafael Leao has appeared on Arsenal’s radar, but the price tag is likely to be a main obstacle, which could infuriate the fans even more.
Viktor Gyokeres is “happy” to join the Gunners, Football Insider understands, and that would certainly be a statement signing, especially with his former manager currently at Old Trafford with Man United.
Arteta’s side could make some very exciting moves, especially due to the project building in North London, but unless there is silverware at the Emirates next season, it could be the manager’s last.