Article body analysed
By TUM BALOGUN, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 02: 44 AEDT, 28 October 2025 | Updated: 02: 44 AEDT, 28 October 2025 8 View comments Gabriel Jesus has admitted he would be interested in rejoining his former club Palmeiras as he closes in on a long-awaited Arsenal return. The Brazilian forward, 28, has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United in January, but said he was making 'great progress' towards a comeback. Jesus told ESPN Brazil that while he remains focused on Arsenal, the idea of returning to his boyhood side in Sao Paulo still appeals to him. 'Every day, the [Arsenal] coach and the board say they're eager for my return, ' Jesus said. 'I don't see myself outside the club's plans. 'I have a contract until 2027, and if it's not renewed by then, I'll be at the club at least until 2027. ' He added that Palmeiras would always have a special place in his career. 'That interest will always be there, both from them and from me. But there's been nothing formal. Gabriel Jesus has admitted he would be interested in rejoining his former club Palmeiras as he closes in on a long-awaited Arsenal return The Brazilian forward, 28, has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United in January 'It's the natural interest of a kid who came through the Palmeiras youth system, went to Europe, and obviously wants to return one day. Everyone at the club knows that. ' 'When I feel like returning to Brazil, which isn't the case right now, my desire is and always will be Palmeiras. ' Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £45million and has scored 26 goals in 96 appearances. His spell in north London has been defined by bursts of form interrupted by injuries, but he said his recovery was on track after what he described as 'the biggest injury' of his career. 'I'm feeling great, my knee is responding very well, ' he told Arsenal's matchday programme last week. 'I'm looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It's been too long… this one is the biggest injury I've had in my life. ' 'When you can see the end it's important you don't push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready. ' Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has openly invited Jesus to return, telling supporters recently: 'Gabriel Jesus, I'll say more. Soon you're coming back home, Gabriel! One day you'll return. ' Jesus left Palmeiras for Manchester City in a deal worth £27million in January 2017 Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has openly invited Jesus to return, telling supporters recently: 'Gabriel Jesus, I'll say more. Soon you're coming back home' Reports in Brazil have claimed Arsenal are open to offers ahead of the January window, though Jesus has maintained that his priority remains fulfilling his contract in north London. Arsenal sat top of the Premier League after six straight wins, while Jesus targeted a playing return before Christmas as he bids to regain fitness ahead of next summer's World Cup.
Share what you think
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mail Online.
By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your Mail Online comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to Mail Online as usual. Do you want to automatically post your Mail Online comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to Mail Online as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on Mail Online. To do this we will link your Mail Online account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd