Arsenal: Mikel Arteta rules out Gabriel Jesus exit in January following links with Brazil return | OneFootball

Jesus has been linked with a transfer away amid his struggles at Emirates Stadium

Mikel Arteta has ruled out the possibility of Gabriel Jesus leaving Arsenal in January.

Asked about reports in Brazil that Arsenal would let Jesus go in January, Arteta said on Tuesday: “No, no sense.”

Jesus has scored just one goal in his past 31 games for Arsenal

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Jesus joined Arsenal in a £45million deal from Manchester City in 2022 and still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.

But he has found game-time at Arsenal difficult behind Kai Havertz and has lost his place in the Brazil squad.

Jesus has made just six starts for the Gunners this season, 12 substitute appearances and has scored just one goal.

With Arsenal chasing a winner at Fulham on Sunday, he was brought on for the final 16 minutes. His last start was on November 23 in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Arteta, however, has given his backing to Jesus and vowed to him get through what is a difficult period for the striker.

“Like all strikers, they go on phases and moments and that gap is becoming big,” he said. “It’s true that obviously a lot of things has happened, injuries, absences of not playing or starting games that much.

“But his attitude has been really good, it always is, and we’re going to try to help him overcome the situation as soon as possible.”

Jesus could come into the team for Arsenal’s game with Monaco on Wednesday night in the Champions League, with Arteta open to the idea of rotating his XI.

“Really impressed [with Monaco],” said Arteta. “Really good side, you see the run they’ve been on in the Champions League and in the league, especially against top opposition, so a real threat.

“A team that is superbly well organised, really intense, really good in transition moments as well with a lot of quality, so it’s going to be a very good test for us tomorrow.”