Arsenal superstar linked with shock €40m exit amid interest from Brazilian giants - Reports

Arsenal attacker Gabriel Jesus has been reportedly linked with a departure, with his former side Palmeiras apparently in the fray. Having arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2022, the 27-year-old hasn't been entirely convincing.

The former Manchester City man has managed just 19 goals and 15 assists in 74 games across competitions for the Gunners and has played five times this season, thrice off the bench. Despite being contracted to the Emirates till 2027, Jesus is being linked with a surprise return to his Palmeiras.

As per Bola VP (via GOAL), the Brasileiro Serie A side are eyeing a reunion with their former attacker ahead of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. It's pertinent to note that Jesus was deemed surplus to requirements this summer, but he stayed on, with head coach Mikel Arteta reportedly wanting more consistency from the attacker.

The Gunners are hoping to recoup the reported €40 million invested on him, and a move back to Palmeiras could materialise when the transfer window reopens in January. The Brazilian side are apparently ready to match Arsenal's asking price.

Jesus scored 29 times in 83 games across competitions in two seasons for Palmeiras before arriving at City in the summer of 2017.

---

What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal have had a decent start to the season. After conceding a last-gasp equaliser in a rousing 2-2 Premier League draw at leaders Manchester City last weekend, the Gunners trounced Bolton Wanderers 5-1 at home in their EFL Cup opener in midweek.

Four different players scored in the rout, including Ethan Nwaneri, who netted twice. Mikel Arteta's side now turn their attention back to the league, where they host reigning Championship winners Leicester City on Saturday (September 28).

The Gunners - one of four unbeaten sides in the Premier League after five games - are fourth in the standings, two points behind leaders City (13). Arteta's side have provided stiff competition to the Cityzens in the Premier League title race in the last two seasons.

After leading for a record 248 days in the 2022-23 season, the Gunners kept alive the title race till the final day of the previous camapaign, eventually falling short by two points to Pep Guardiola's side.

Arsenal, though, have made a slow start to their European campaign, drawing goalless at reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in their UEFA Champions League opener last week.