Gabriel Jesus must leave Arsenal this summer to revive stalling career | OneFootball

Arsenal claimed a 2-0 win over Everton to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table with only a handful of games to go, but Gabriel Jesus was an unused substitute on the bench.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta using him as a rotation option these days.

Jesus has been an excellent servant to the club since joining in 2022, bagging 31 goals and 22 assists in 116 appearances.

However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons. He made his comeback in December after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury last year, and his involvement has been limited.

He has made 20 appearances this season, recording five goals and two assists.

Spending extended periods on the sidelines, along with limited playing time, has made it hard for him to build momentum.

To make matters more complicated, the 28-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, which runs out in 2027.

Jesus now faces a dilemma. Does he stay and fight for a place at Arsenal, hoping the club cashes in on Havertz instead, or does he leave for playing time elsewhere?

Transfer interest in Jesus

During the winter transfer window, two Premier League clubs registered interest in Jesus, lining up to take him on loan.

West Ham United needed a replacement for Niclas Fullkrug, an injection of pace and quality up top. They had their eyes on the Arsenal ace before eventually signing Taty Catellanos.

Everton also admired the player and wanted to bring him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to provide competition for their misfiring duo, Beto and Thierno Barry.

Unfortunately, Arteta declared that Jesus would stay, effectively ending any pursuit of his signature.

The decision came as a surprise, as many expected Jesus to go somewhere he could play week in, week out ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This summer, he will have more suitors to choose from. He will consider the appeal of these destinations and weigh it against staying at Arsenal.

What should Jesus do?

Jesus now looks like a player whose career has stalled in North London. He is no longer a developing prospect who can afford to spend months on the bench waiting for opportunities.

If he wants to rediscover the sharp, aggressive forward who once thrived under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, a change of scenery may be necessary.

A new environment might do him a world of good. In an ideal world, a move to Serie A suits his technical profile and intelligent movement.

Juventus and AC Milan will be in the market for a centre-forward this summer.

The slower tempo and tactical structure of Italian football might help him rebuild confidence and rediscover his scoring rhythm.

However, the financial reality is that no Italian club can realistically afford his massive wages.

That could open the door elsewhere on the continent. Villarreal would be an intriguing destination.

The Spanish side already has a small Arsenal connection within the squad and staff, which can help Jesus settle quickly.

His pressing ability and link-up play will also fit neatly into their fluid attacking system.

France is another possible landing spot. Olympique de Marseille can emerge as a serious contender depending on their summer plans.

If they cash in on Mason Greenwood or begin planning for life after Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Jesus is an experienced replacement with Champions League pedigree.

The writing is on the wall. Arsenal are evolving, their attacking hierarchy has shifted, and Jesus risks drifting further into the background.