Arsenal reject Gabriel Jesus transfer interest after Palmeiras contact

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has revealed Arsenal rebuffed their interest in forward Gabriel Jesus.

The striker started his career with the Brazilian club, making his first-team debut in 2015 before joining Manchester City in January 2017.

Jesus then joined the Gunners in the summer of 2022 and initially proved a transformative signing for the club as Mikel Arteta’s side pushed City for the Premier League title.

Things have stalled since, however, with injuries derailing his progress.

Jesus has started only once in the Premier League this season and has not scored since January, though Arteta is confident the forward can soon get back to his best, having suffered a groin injury after impressing during pre-season.

“He came on in great shape, probably in the best condition he’s been with us,” the Arsenal boss said this month.

“He was flying in pre-season and unfortunately he got that injury straight away that affected him for a few weeks.”

Pereira has revealed that Palmeiras attempted to open talks with the Gunners over an ambitious move for Jesus, though that was quickly shut down.

“Gabriel Jesus is not coming," Pereira told ESPN.

"We got in touch with Arsenal, and they said 'Leila, there are no conditions whatsoever. We are not going to negotiate the player.'

"The subject is closed."

Jesus is expected to start for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup clash away at Preston on Wednesday evening.