SBOTOP : Gabriel Jesus Insists He’s Not Leaving Arsenal “There’s Still Unfinished Business”

Gabriel Jesus has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future at Arsenal, delivering a firm and emotional statement about his commitment to the club. The Brazilian striker made it clear that he has no intention of leaving north London anytime soon, insisting there is still “unfinished business” to complete with the Gunners.

Signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, Jesus quickly became a cornerstone of Arsenal’s resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta. His arrival marked a shift in mentality at the Emirates Stadium, bringing elite-level experience, tactical intelligence, and relentless work rate to a squad eager to challenge for major honors again.

A Career Interrupted by Injury

Statistically, Jesus’ impact at Arsenal has been significant. He has scored 26 goals in 98 appearances across all competitions, a return that would likely be even stronger were it not for a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for nearly 11 months. That long absence tested both his body and mindset, forcing him to confront one of the toughest periods of his professional career.

Last week, however, Jesus finally returned to competitive action—and made his presence felt immediately. In Arsenal’s 2–1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, his aggressive pressing forced Yerson Mosquera into a costly mistake that proved decisive. While he did not score, the contribution perfectly illustrated why Arteta values him so highly.

“I Don’t Want to Leave”

Despite being under contract until June 30, 2027, questions about Jesus’ long-term future have persisted. The striker has never hidden his affection for Palmeiras, the club where his professional journey began, and has admitted he would like to return there one day.

For now, though, his focus remains firmly on Arsenal.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘Why don’t you just leave? Why not go to Saudi Arabia or go back to Brazil?’” Jesus said.
“One day, I want my career circle to close at Palmeiras. But not now. I feel like I still have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don’t want to leave.”

That statement sends a clear message—not just to fans, but also to the club hierarchy—that Jesus sees himself as an integral part of Arsenal’s present and immediate future.

Title Dreams Drive His Motivation

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table with 36 points, holding a two-point advantage over Manchester City in second place. With the 2025/2026 season entering a decisive phase, Jesus believes this campaign represents a genuine opportunity to end Arsenal’s long wait for a league title.

For a player who has already won multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City, lifting the trophy with Arsenal would carry a different, deeper meaning—one tied to legacy rather than repetition.

Mental Battle and Renewed Belief

Jesus also admitted that his ACL recovery was as much a mental struggle as a physical one. Extended rehabilitation periods can be isolating, especially for players whose game relies heavily on sharp movement, explosiveness, and confidence.

Yet he remains convinced that he can still play a major role between now and the end of the season.

“I had moments where it was very hard mentally,” Jesus previously acknowledged. “But I always believed I would come back stronger.”

That belief now faces its biggest test amid increased competition for places.

Competition Up Front at Arsenal

Arsenal strengthened their attacking options by signing Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for a reported £55 million. The move was designed to inject a more ruthless edge into the Gunners’ frontline.

So far, however, Gyökeres has struggled to justify his price tag. The Swedish striker has failed to score in 11 of his 14 Premier League appearances this season, raising questions about his adaptation to English football and Arteta’s tactical system.

In contrast, Jesus offers familiarity with Arteta’s pressing patterns, positional rotations, and build-up structure. Even when not at peak sharpness in front of goal, his ability to link play, drag defenders out of position, and lead the press gives Arsenal dimensions that cannot be measured by goals alone.

Arteta’s Trust and the Bigger Picture

Within the club, there is no immediate plan to offload Jesus during the January transfer window. Arsenal’s leadership views him as an important asset, particularly during a title race where experience and composure under pressure can be decisive.

Any formal evaluation of his long-term future is expected to take place only after the season concludes, once the club has a clearer picture of how its attacking hierarchy should evolve.

For now, Jesus remains focused on contributing wherever and however he is needed.

“I didn’t come here just to play,” he has often said. “I came here to win.”

Unfinished Business at the Emirates

As Arsenal push toward the business end of the season, Gabriel Jesus’ message resonates clearly. He is not looking for an exit, a payday elsewhere, or a sentimental return—at least not yet. Instead, he is driven by the belief that his story at Arsenal is still being written.

With the Gunners leading the league and momentum building, Jesus’ determination could yet prove decisive. His unfinished business is not personal statistics or individual recognition—it is silverware.

And until that mission is complete, Gabriel Jesus has made one thing abundantly clear: he is staying right where he is.