Last month, Palmeiras club president Leila Pereira opened up on reports suggesting that Jesus may return to the side as he enters the final stages of his career.
“Of course Gabriel Jesus. And I’ll say more. Soon you’re coming back home, Gabriel! One day you’ll return.”
Now, the Arsenal forward spoke in an interview with Revista Placar, reflected on a possible move which he says does not make sense right now but could in the near future.
“There was never contact with another club. My wish, as I always say, is to return to Palmeiras. And Palmeiras also want me to come back.”
“When I feel it’s the right time to go back to Palmeiras, I’ll decide that with Arsenal.
“But we’re talking about a player who has been out for nine months and is now fighting to return to the team. Some journalists speak without any basis.”
“After such a complex surgery, it makes no sense for me to leave the club now.”
Jesus was training at Palmeiras’ facilities during his road to recovery and is said to have constant banter with Brazlil teammates Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli about the Palmeiras and Corinthians rivalry.
Jesus’ deal runs until 2027, meaning Arsenal are under no pressure to sell and as he slowly returns to fitness it will be down to manager Mikel Arteta as to whether the experienced striker is allowed back in the side or if he will make the move back to his homeland.