Arsenal ready to sanction departure of £45m star in January

Arsenal are reportedly preparing for a major shake-up in their attacking department as the January transfer window approaches, with Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus potentially on his way out of the Emirates Stadium. The North London club, who invested £45 million to bring the former Manchester City striker in 2022, appear ready to cash in on him amid growing uncertainty over his role under Mikel Arteta.

The 28-year-old’s time at Arsenal has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, and it now seems the Gunners are willing to part ways with him for the same fee they paid three years ago. According to recent reports, the club’s hierarchy believes this could be the right moment to refresh the squad and redirect funds toward new signings that better align with Arteta’s evolving tactical vision.

When Jesus arrived in July 2022, expectations were sky-high. His reunion with Arteta, who had previously worked with him at Manchester City, was hailed as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s young and energetic setup. For a time, it seemed the gamble had paid off — Jesus immediately brought flair, pressing intensity, and a winning mentality that lifted Arsenal’s title challenge in the 2022–23 season.

However, persistent knee and muscle injuries gradually halted his momentum. A major setback came in early 2025 when a serious knee injury required surgery, ruling him out for several months. That absence allowed others to rise, particularly summer signing Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz, who both impressed as central options in attack.

Arteta’s decision to exclude Jesus from Arsenal’s Champions League squad in September only deepened speculation about his future. Though the Brazilian has recently returned to full fitness, reclaiming a consistent starting role looks increasingly unlikely. The Spaniard’s preference for more physical and consistent forwards appears to have shifted the team’s attacking balance away from Jesus’ style of play.

Reports from the Mail Online suggest Arsenal are open to offers around £45 million, the same figure they spent to sign him. While Arsenal’s management still values his experience and leadership, there’s a growing sense that both parties may benefit from a fresh start.

Interest in Jesus is already mounting. Brazilian giants Flamengo and Palmeiras are said to be monitoring the situation closely, eager to bring the player back to his homeland where his professional journey began. Palmeiras, in particular, would relish the romantic prospect of reuniting with their academy graduate, now a seasoned international star.

Meanwhile, Everton have reportedly emerged as a surprise contender from the Premier League, with the Merseyside club believed to be considering a formal bid in January. The Toffees see Jesus as an ideal signing to bolster their attack, especially given his Premier League experience and versatility to play across the front line.

If a deal is completed, it would continue Arsenal’s trend of trimming their squad and refining their core group of players. The club has already allowed the exits of Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, and Albert Sambi Lokonga earlier this season, while fringe players like Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Fabio Vieira were loaned out to secure regular minutes elsewhere.

The potential departure of Jesus would mark the end of an era filled with both promise and frustration. He arrived as a symbol of Arsenal’s resurgence — a player meant to lead their young squad into a new competitive chapter. Yet, injuries and shifting tactics have seen his once pivotal role diminish, leaving both sides ready to move on.

For Mikel Arteta, this move could be a key part of Arsenal’s ongoing evolution. With the Gunners competing on multiple fronts, reinvesting in more durable and dynamic players could be vital to maintaining their long-term title ambitions.

As January approaches, all eyes will be on the Emirates. Will Arsenal part ways with one of their most high-profile signings of recent years? Or will Gabriel Jesus fight to reclaim his place and prove his worth once again in red and white? The coming weeks will reveal whether this chapter closes with a transfer or a revival.