Arsenal ready to sell £45m star amid contract standoff - but Gunners fans told to 'expect a quiet January window' after summer splurge

It was supposed to be a fairytale move, a proven winner swapping Manchester City’s silverware-laden dressing room for Mikel Arteta’s ambitious Arsenal project. Two years later, that dream appears to be crumbling. Injuries, inconsistency, and a ruthless reshaping of Arteta’s attack have left the Brazilian’s Arsenal future hanging by a thread. Reports from Mail Online now claim that Jesus’ latest appearance, an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January, where he tore his ACL, could be his final one in red and white. 

In his debut season, he made a bright start, scoring 11 goals across all competitions. But that first-season spark soon faded. Persistent knee problems and a damaging ACL injury in January have since derailed his momentum entirely. The Brazilian has not kicked a competitive ball this season and is now facing the grim prospect of being moved on before he ever truly fulfilled his potential in north London.

In football, time waits for no one, and Arsenal’s summer overhaul has made that crystal clear. Viktor Gyokeres’ blockbuster arrival from Sporting has transformed the frontline, while Kai Havertz’s growing confidence as a No.9 has given Arteta tactical flexibility that doesn’t rely on Jesus. Once the guaranteed starter, the 28-year-old now finds himself surplus to requirements. Arsenal’s attack looks sharper, faster, and more unpredictable, all without him. And with the club reportedly open to offers, the writing appears to be on the wall for Jesus’ Emirates career. Interest is already mounting from Brazil, with Flamengo and Palmeiras both said to be keen on bringing him home. Meanwhile, Everton are said to be weighing up a bold January swoop for the out-of-favour forward. Jesus remains tied to Arsenal until June 2027, but with no sign of a contract renewal and the club looking to balance their books after a lavish summer, a parting of ways seems increasingly inevitable.

According to the report, Arsenal will be taking a conservative approach to the winter window following their £250m ($332m) summer outlay. That record-breaking spending saw eight new faces arrive at London Colney, giving Arteta unprecedented squad depth. But it’s also left the club with a bloated wage bill and little room for manoeuvre under financial fair play regulations and PSR. The Gunners are believed to be focused on consolidating, trimming where possible, and making full use of the talent they already have. Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior, and Albert Sambi Lokonga were all moved out over the summer to ease congestion, but Jesus’ potential departure would be by far the biggest name to go. Selling him could also generate crucial funds to reinvest in next summer’s plans.

Even as the club prepares for potential departures, Arsenal’s long-term planning machine keeps whirring. The Gunners have wrapped up the signing of Victor Ozhianvuna, a 16-year-old prodigy from Shamrock Rovers. The Irish teenager, already capped at U15 and U18 level for the Republic of Ireland, will officially join Arsenal in January 2027 when he turns 18. Originally a wing-back, Ozhianvuna’s versatility has drawn rave reviews. 

After the international break, Arsenal return to action with a short trip across London to face Fulham on October 18. Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table after seven games, showcasing fluid football and a newfound resilience. After title heartbreaks in the last couple of seasons, the Spaniard's tactical blueprint appears to be working to perfection. With stars like Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka driving the team forward, Arsenal look every inch a side ready to challenge on all fronts.