Italian Clubs Put on Alert With Arsenal Unlikely to Grant Gabriel Jesus’ Wish For a New Contract

Gabriel Jesus transfer news has ramped after revealing he wants to stay this week. Arsenal are, however, unlikely to offer fresh terms when his contract expires in 2027, putting a host of clubs in Italy on alert.

Gabriel Jesus made his long-awaited return to the Arsenal squad towards the end of November, having spent the better part of a year sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.

The 28-year-old has scarcely had a consistent run of games at Arsenal without being hampered by injury, having suffered six separate spells in the recovery room since joining in the summer of 2023.

Is Gabriel Jesus Leaving Arsenal?

Jesus recently addressed what the future holds for him in north London, revealing that he intends to stay at Arsenal beyond his contract and doesn’t wish to leave until he has helped deliver silverware.

“My first target is to be healthy,” he said.

“So, I just try to be fit. My wish is to stay at Arsenal – I want to extend my contract. I want to stay. I want to win trophies with Arsenal because I come here with a purpose and that’s it. But obviously, the reality is different.”

Jesus was explicit about his intentions, but the feeling amongst the Arsenal hierarchy is he is expendable.

His troubling injury record, balanced against his £265,000-per-week wages means the Gunners have not benefited from as much return on investment as they would have liked.

Arsenal are unlikely to offer Jesus a new contract beyond his current expiry date in 2027, but if they did it would come with substantially lower wages.

With a new contract increasingly unlikely, Arsenal may also look to accelerate a sale this summer to ensure they recoup at least some of the £45 million fee they paid.

Gabriel Jesus Transfer News Puts AC Milan, Inter and Juventus On Alert

Interest from abroad has already been floated from his native Brazil, with Palmeiras and Flamengo showing intent.

However, having missed some of his best years through injury, Jesus is keen to remain in a competitive European league.

Italian clubs have long held interest, with Juventus admiring from afar since his emergence at Manchester City. Reports even suggested they were preparing to offer Arsenal a swap deal involving Jonathan David, although rumours were quickly rubbished.

Both Milan clubs have also held interest previously, but AC Milan’s striker problems have accelerated their need for fresh firepower, and Jesus could provide just that.

Given his problematic injury history and the length left on his contract, it is unlikely Arsenal will be able to demand a fee as high as their initial investment.

That makes a deal an attractive option for debt-ridden Serie A teams, with very few teams in a financial position to afford younger, big name strikers on the market.