Mikel Arteta ready to sanction January sale of Arsenal striker as Viktor Gyokeres decision made

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Arsenal are ready to commit to Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as third striker January sale moves closer

Despite Gabriel Jesus's push to return to full fitness, which included several video updates posted to his social media, his Arsenal future appears to have already been decided ahead of the next transfer window. The Gunners’ 2022 summer arrival seems destined to move on sooner rather than later, regardless of his latest injury rehabilitation.

After suffering a serious knee injury against Manchester United at the start of the year, Jesus has been out of action since then. In that time, the club have signed Viktor Gyokeres and the Swede’s arrival, in addition to the presence of Kai Havertz, appears to have made the decision to call time on Jesus’ Arsenal career.

According to ESPN Brazil’s André Hernan and Bruno Andrade, a move to a European club appears the next likeliest step despite interest from the striker’s homeland. Both Flamengo and Palmeiras have been linked with interest.

Hernan explained: “Gabriel Jesus looks much more towards staying in Europe than coming back to Brazil.

“Palmeiras made an approach earlier this year. Leila Pereira [Palmeiras’ president] even called before the club moved for Vitor Roque. But the response was that now isn’t the right time for him to return.”

This is certainly accurate regarding Palmeiras. Club president Leila Pereira spoke to Esporte Record about the possibility, effectively promising he would indeed come back to the club where he made his name in Brazil.

"Of course, Gabriel Jesus," she said. "And I'll say more. Soon you're coming back home, Gabriel! One day you'll return!"

This, however, does not prevent Jesus from leaving for another club on the continent instead. Arsenal paid Manchester City in the region of £45million in 2022, and at 28 years of age, the club will be hopeful of a decent fee for the player who still has plenty of years at the top level to give.

“The club told Gabriel Jesus’ entourage that there’s a chance he could leave,” said Andrade. “Both Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are open to a sale in the next transfer window.”