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Gabriel Jesus is completing additional training at former club Palmeiras as his transfer future remains up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window
Gabriel Jesus has jetted off during the international break to return to his home country of Brazil. The Arsenal striker is training again with his former side, Palmeiras.
The Serie A side are the club Manchester City bought Jesus from in 2017. The 28-year-old has since persistently been linked with a move back to Palmeiras.
Now back, just temporarily, with Palmeiras, the player has been talking to local press about his reason for flying back to his home country.
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“It’s something [visiting Palmeiras] I’ve always done throughout my career during off periods," he revealed. “I think you can make the most of both things. Family moments with the people we love but without neglecting your health and fitness."
Speaking about the visit, he made a telling comment about his relationship with the club.
“I always have the doors open," he said. "Everyone knows Palmeiras is my home, where I grew up, and I always have the doors open to go to the club. Arsenal and Palmeiras have a great relationship and approved my training here.”
Brazilian outlet UOL have reported that the former City forward is looking at prioritising his career in the near future in Europe. Should no offers come in, only then will he return to Palmeiras.
It appears, based upon comments in January, that his preference would be to stay in north London. Speaking to the press ahead of his two goals against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League, he committed himself to the Gunners.
"This is my fourth season at Arsenal, and unfortunately, I played maybe one-and-a-half or two seasons, and then the rest with injuries," he said. "That never happened with me before, but it happens here (at Arsenal), I don't know why.
“My first target is to be healthy from now until the end of the season. And then obviously, like I said before, my wish is to stay at Arsenal.
“I have a contract as well. I want to extend my contract, I want to stay, I want to win trophies with Arsenal because I came here with a purpose and that's it."
If he were to move to Europe, it could be assumed that the potential fee the Gunners could command would be greater than if he were to return to Brazil. Sporting director Andrea Berta is focused on ensuring the club brings in funds this summer to reinvest.
Despite having both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, there is believed to be interest in other forwards such as Julian Alvarez. Given Jesus’ significant wages, this could, however, complicate any potential exit.
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