Club president confirms Arsenal have snubbed their approach to sign £46m star | OneFootball

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has confirmed that the club have made contact with Arsenal to sign Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus had a difficult 2023/24 season due to injuries. He was a regular off the bench during the back end of the campaign.

The 27-year-old had a positive pre-season, but he is currently playing second fiddle to Kai Havertz up front after recovering from a groin issue.

Speaking to O Globo, Leila has now revealed that Palmeiras contacted Arsenal about Jesus, but the deal was a non-starter.

She said: “Gabriel Jesus is not coming. We got in touch with Arsenal, and they said: ‘Leila, there are no conditions whatsoever. We are not going to negotiate the athlete’.

“Closed the subject. Our base are these athletes who are already with us and are extremely successful. There are some positions that Abel would like to reinforce, but I’ll tell you in advance: forget the star.

“The big star of Palmeiras is the squad. I don’t believe in idols. What wins the championship is the team.

“I know fans don’t like that, but it’s the truth. You may even really like an athlete because he stood out in a championship, but the team wins.”

Arsenal made the right decision on Jesus

The Gunners were widely tipped to sign a marquee striker over the summer. They were linked with Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak.

However, they ended up without a new acquisition.

Having sold Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, Arsenal made the right decision to keep Jesus as they need reasonable cover for Havertz.

The £46 million-rated star has been in poor form in front of goal this term, but there is no doubt over his quality. A goal or two could revive his confidence and form going forward.

Havertz is an undisputed starter in the league at the moment. Jesus looked good on the right side of the attack in midweek but lacked an end product.

The Brazilian is likely to drop to the bench for Sunday’s league game against Liverpool at home. Arsenal have been handed a massive boost, with Bukayo Saka poised to start on the right wing.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.