Gabriel Jesus says he 'won't give up' in his bid to become Arsenal's main man after transfer speculation linked him with a move to Brazil.
The former Manchester City ace, 27, has had a difficult 2024/25 season but has found form over the Christmas period, scoring six times in just four games. He was on target again in Wednesday night's 3-1 win over Brentford and kept Arsenal in touch with Liverpool in the Premier League summit.
It previously appeared that Jesus was on his way out of Arsenal given the club's desire to sign a new striker in the summer. And there was interest from Jesus' native Brazil, with Palmeiras looking to bring him back to the club in October.
However, that approach was rejected, and Jesus did not sound like a player with plans to move elsewhere after the Brentford game.
After the match he told TNT Sports: “I will continue to work and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me, but everyone. I don't give up and it's not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal.
“Now I can score and I'm very happy. I want to keep scoring to help the team.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked last month about his former club's interest in Jesus. But he insisted there would be “no point” in selling the versatile forward in January before backing Jesus to get a good run in front of goal.
Arteta said of Arsenal's number 9: “Like all attackers, they have phases and moments and that gap is widening. It's true that obviously a lot of things have happened, injuries, absences from not playing or starting games.
“But his attitude has been very good, it always has been, and we are going to try to help him out of the situation as quickly as possible.”
Although Jesus has hit form at an ideal time, Arsenal are still linked with strikers. Wolves striker Mathus Cunha is believed to be a target and Arteta refused to rule out doing business with the transfer window open on New Year's Day.
'Let's see. If there is an opportunity, we will look into it,” he said. 'Let's see how we get there. Hopefully the team is in a much healthier position than it is now, but who knows?
“We are prepared if we have to do something, we are able to do something, but then the transfer period is very difficult and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited, but we will be there.”
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