Arsenal are preparing to sell at least two members of their title-winning squad and will allow Gabriel Jesus to leave for just £5m, according to reports. Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his Arsenal squad this summer after becoming the first Gunners boss since Arsene Wenger to lift the Premier League trophy. Arsenal fans feared they would once again watch their team fall short in the title race following three successive second-place finishes, but Arteta's side powered to the finish line, finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City.
Transfer Plans and Targets
Arteta is currently attempting to mastermind a surprise win over PSG in the Champions League final but attentions will soon turn to the summer transfer window. The Independent reports that Arsenal are planning to welcome three new signings to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Eli Junior Kroupi as top targets. However, the same number of players are also set to leave, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus both tipped for summer moves.
Martinelli and Jesus Departures
Martinelli is Arsenal's longest-serving player, having made 276 appearances for the Gunners since joining the club seven years ago. According to The Independent, his compatriot Jesus is likely to move on amid interest from several Brazilian clubs. Jesus has struggled with injuries during the second half of his Arsenal career and scored just six Premier League goals across the previous two seasons. Arsenal paid Manchester City £45m for Jesus back in 2022 but are reportedly only asking for £5m to sell, as they are keen to get his high wages off the books.
Earlier this week, Jesus, who scored in Arsenal's final-day win over Crystal Palace, hinted his future may lie away from north London. 'There's a lot of talk [about the future] and I'm being very honest,' Jesus told ESPN Brasil. 'It's not easy for a player who is always looking to improve and help on the field with what's happening. But like I said, I'm very respectful, I have a lot of respect for the coach, and especially my teammates. I made my contribution when I came back. Many thought I would return calmly, that it would take longer. But, from the first Champions League game, I came back with everything, without any doubt, and played most of the games. It's not easy mentally, but I was resilient and respected the coach. The future belongs to God. I still have a year left on my contract with Arsenal. I want to play, I want to prove to myself that I can play at a high level. Today [against Palace], I could have scored two or three more goals. This shows me that I'm still a player who can perform at a high level even with such a serious injury. I have my head in the right place, I think every day about how to keep my head in the right place, train hard and stay focused.'
Parlour's Prediction
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour told Metro earlier this year that he expects the Brazilian to move on, believing his old side will target another centre forward this summer. 'I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out,' Parlour said. 'We could lose him. [Regardless of Jesus leaving], bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set.'
Jesus and Martinelli's final games for Arsenal could be this weekend's Champions League final against PSG. The Premier League and Ligue 1 champions meet in Budapest, Hungary, with PSG bidding to retain their Champions League trophy.
