Arsenal rejected an approach from Palmeiras to re-sign Gabriel Jesus over the summer, according to the Brazilian club's president.
The 27-year-old burst onto the scene with the South American giants, who sold him to Manchester City for £26.7m midway through the 2016-17 campaign, and the striker ended up winning four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola.
Following five successful years at the Etihad, Jesus reunited with former Citizens assistant Mikel Arteta at the Emirates and hit the ground running in Arsenal colours before injuries reared their ugly heads.
The Brazil international has struggled with a series of knee problems since the 2022 World Cup and has quickly slipped down the pecking order in North London, where Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are preferred at the tip of the attack.
Jesus has failed to register a single goal or assist in 10 matches across all competitions in the current season, and he has only played 89 minutes of Premier League football, making one start against Southampton and being hooked on the hour mark.
Arsenal 'had no conditions' to sell Jesus in summer
Jesus's underwhelming start to the 2024-25 campaign has come in the wake of intense summer transfer speculation, as Arsenal were expected to spend big on a new striker before ultimately deciding against investing up front.
However, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira recently revealed to O Globo that her side had touched base with Arsenal to enquire about Jesus, but they were met with the cold shoulder by Arteta and co.
"Gabriel Jesus is not coming. We got in touch with Arsenal and they said; 'Leila, there are no conditions [to sell] whatsoever. We are not going to negotiate the athlete'. [They] Closed the subject," Pereira said, before insisting that the Palmeiras squad was already brimming with talent without Jesus.
"Our base are these players who are already with us and are extremely successful," Pereira added. "There are some positions that Abel [Ferreira, Palmeiras manager] would like to reinforce, but I'll tell you in advance; forget the star. The big star of Palmeiras is the squad. I don't believe in idols."
Jesus is still under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2027 and has now made 79 appearances for Arteta's side in all tournaments, coming up with 19 goals and 15 assists in the process.
Should Arsenal consider selling Jesus in 2025?
Abou Diaby, Eduardo da Silva, Jack Wilshere - what could have been for those former Arsenal players had it not been for a wave of injuries, and the same arguably applies to the unfortunate Jesus.
The Brazilian was Arsenal's unpredictable chaos merchant when he first arrived at the club - having a direct hand in 17 goals in his first Premier League season in red and white - but nowadays, his shooting boots evade him time and time again.
Arteta clearly values Jesus as a key member of his squad - the 27-year-old has worn the captain's armband against Bolton Wanderers, Atalanta BC and Shakhtar Donetsk - but he is not the same attacking force he once was.
The South American's versatility does make him a useful option to have - he could very well start on the right against Liverpool on Sunday if Bukayo Saka is not available - but the up-and-coming Ethan Nwaneri may soon steal his thunder.
As no contract extension looks to be in sight, Arsenal may very well perform a U-turn and entertain bids for the misfiring striker in 2025, especially if Arteta is able to welcome a new big-name striker or winger to the club ahead of next season. body check tags ::
