Gabriel Jesus will surely be fuming at what Arsenal are planning in January
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a return to Mikel Arteta’s squad, although the Brazilian won’t be pleased by their January plans.
Jesus suffered an ACL injury against Manchester United in January 2025 and has spent most of the year working on his recovery.
The 28-year-old spent most of 2024/25 as a backup to German international Kai Havertz, only making six Premier League starts before being sidelined.
The former Manchester City forward is expected to warm the bench once he does return to action, as Viktor Gyokeres is coming back from a muscular problem, and Havertz will be available within the next month.
So, with Gyokeres and Havertz vying for the central striker role, Jesus will be the third choice, and that could limit his opportunities.
Gabriel Jesus set to stay at Arsenal in January
Ahead of a hectic fixture schedule, the Gunners are getting their players back at the right time, with Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli also close to being available.
Arteta has an embarrassment of riches to select from in attack, which explains why Arsenal were willing to listen to offers for Jesus.
Remarkably, even the Palmeiras president called for Jesus to return to the club after Football Insider revealed the forward plans to return to Brazil once his time at the Emirates comes to an end.
But despite the amount of quality competition ahead of him, Arteta doesn’t plan to sell the Brazilian international in January.
#efc prioritising a new striker in Jan, and one of a different profile to Beto and Barry. Ivan Toney and #mufc Joshua Zirkzee high up on their list of possible targets if either were to become available. #afc Gabriel Jesus looks out of reach, after Arteta said he won’t be moving.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) November 11, 2025
That was referenced by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett when speaking about the players Everton have been linked with.
Jesus may see that news as an opportunity to impress and play a key role in the title race, but he could also feel slightly aggrieved that the transfer links are being shut down.
Jesus needs to move on from Arsenal
An ACL injury can often wreck a player’s career, although Jesus will hope he doesn’t damage his prospects of playing at the highest level.
Ultimately, a long-term injury has pushed the Brazilian further down the pecking order and it’s hard to see when he could play.
| Gabriel Jesus | Stats |
| Appearances | 96 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists | 20 |
Once Madueke is fit, he will challenge Bukayo Saka for a spot on the right flank – a position Jesus has played previously – while Havertz and Gyokeres look set to share the minutes up top.
As he reaches the prime years of his career, surely moving to a team where he’s guaranteed to start would appeal, with that door being slammed by Arteta.