Gabriel Jesus admits daily thoughts on Palmeiras return amid Arsenal exit talk
Gabriel Jesus has publicly stated he dreams of a return to his boyhood club Palmeiras, casting significant doubt over his future at Arsenal. The 28-year-old forward, whose contract expires in the summer of 2027, has seen his role diminish dramatically this season, leading the Premier League club to consider a sale in the upcoming transfer window.
In an interview with RomárioTV, Jesus revealed the depth of his connection to the Brazilian side. "I follow it quite closely. My bond with Palmeiras has never been broken," he said. "I always follow it very closely and obviously I dream of returning to play one day, not to end my career. I think about returning every day, my wife can attest to that." This follows comments last week where he indicated the "doors were always open" for a comeback, sentiments he shared while in Brazil receiving treatment for injuries.
According to the source report, Arsenal are open to exploring a sale for Jesus this summer as he has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. Since his €52 million move from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus has been hampered by injuries, including a cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for 11 months until December. This season, he has made only two Premier League starts, finding himself behind Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard in manager Mikel Arteta's plans.
The situation presents a logical juncture for both parties. For Arsenal, selling Jesus would free up significant wages and potentially generate a transfer fee before his value depreciates further in the final year of his contract. For the player, a move offers the chance for regular first-team football and a sentimental return to the club where he began his professional career before joining Manchester City in 2017.
While a sentimental move to Palmeiras is Jesus's stated preference, the financial realities of such a transfer remain unclear. The report notes that other clubs, including Atletico Madrid, are believed to be interested, which could complicate a return to Brazil. Any deal would likely require Palmeiras to structure a significant offer, potentially relying on installments, to meet Arsenal's valuation, which FootballTransfers estimates in the €20-24 million range.
Arsenal's willingness to sell appears part of a broader squad evolution. The same source material indicates the Gunners may be looking to replace Jesus with a younger profile, having been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen's highly-rated striker Christian Kofane. This suggests the North London club is planning for a future without the Brazilian, whose impact has waned since his initially promising first two seasons.
Jesus's comments have effectively placed his future at the forefront of the summer's transfer narrative. While a return to Palmeiras is his personal dream, the coming months will reveal whether the Brazilian club can align their ambitions with Arsenal's demands in the market, or if another European suitor will intervene.
