Mikel Arteta insists it makes no sense for Arsenal to let Gabriel Jesus leave in January, even if the striker’s goal drought is growing increasingly lengthy.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window, but Mikel Arteta was adamantly opposed to the suggestion in Wednesday’s pre-Monaco press conference.
“No (Arsenal aren’t willing to let him go), no sense,” Arteta insisted.
The Arsenal boss also addressed Jesus’ recent goal drought, with the striker scoring once in 18 games (six starts) this season.
“Like all strikers, they go on phases and moments and that gap is becoming big,” Arteta admitted.
“It’s true that obviously a lot of things has happened, injuries, absences of not playing or starting games that much but his attitude has been really good, it always is, and we’re going to try to help him overcome the situation as soon as possible.”
Bruno Andrade had reported for Brazilian outlet UOL last week that Jesus would attract plenty of attention in the January transfer window, due to his current fringe role with the Arsenal first team.
Andrade claimed the Gunners were considering selling the forward to open up a squad spot and free up funds to sign a replacement.
Arteta seems to be flatly denying that claim, and one potential complication is that Jesus doesn’t currently have an agent. His two former agents are in a legal conflict, and both lost the player as a result.
Rafael Reis reported for UOL recently that Palmeiras fear Jesus isn’t a realistic signing for them despite recent links. The club hierarchy believe he will eventually return to the club, and that the player wants to do so. Just not yet.
For the time being, Jesus plenty more football before the January window even opens, with Arsenal scheduled to play five more times in December.
