Mikel Arteta Doesn't Want Gabriel Jesus to Leave Arsenal

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta has dismissed the possibility of Gabriel Jesus leaving Arsenal in January 2026.

The 28-year-old made a long-awaited comeback to the first team as a substitute in the 62nd minute in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League on Thursday, December 11, 2025, early morning WIB.

Jesus has been out since January 202 after undergoing knee surgery. After that, he said God saved his life when he struggled for 11 months to help himself and then was afraid to return because of some limitations.

However, the striker faces stiff competition for a return to regular starting position, with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who is back fit, and Kai Havertz, who is almost fully recovered from a knee problem.

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Without the trio, midfielder Mikel Merino has flourished as an improvised centre-forward and the combination has sparked speculation that Jesus could seek a move in January 2026 in a bid to force his way into the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

However, speaking on Friday, December 12, 2025, Arteta immediately denied that he was considering Jesus' departure - whose contract expires in the summer of 2027 - next month.

"No, I'm not considering that and especially with the situation we're in right now. I think Gabby has a lot to offer to the team."

"He proved it straight away in the first minutes he was able to play. He has done a lot to be in this position again."

"Now the focus is on being with us. A player with his quality, a player who has given us so much, when he comes with the energy he showed a few days ago, he is certainly a player who must be encouraged and targeted (to be a starter). That's for sure," said Arteta.

Arteta is usually careful about his squad's injuries. However, he will evaluate Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard before deciding whether they can face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, December 14, 2025, early morning WIB.

Wolves are in the bottom of the English League after only collecting two points throughout the season. However, Arteta is reluctant to look down on his potential opponent.

"I understand that teams in that position have to react and show their fangs. It's a dangerous thing in this league when every team has the quality they have. So, (a complacent attitude) won't happen," he said.

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