Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a significant test of his squad planning this January, with European giants AC Milan reportedly preparing a move for striker Gabriel Jesus.
Arteta's Public Backing for Jesus
Despite Jesus's lengthy injury lay-off, Mikel Arteta has publicly stated his desire to retain the Brazilian forward. The striker, who suffered a ruptured ACL early in 2025, made his long-awaited return to action just last week. When questioned about the potential for a January sale, Arteta was unequivocal.
"I don't consider that, especially with the situation we have right now," the Spaniard said. "I think Gabby has a lot to offer to the team – and he has proven that straight away, in the first minutes that he was available to play."
Arteta further emphasised Jesus's quality and ambition, confirming he sees him as a player who should be pushing for a starting role. This public vote of confidence comes at a crucial time, with Jesus finding himself behind Kai Havertz and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres in the attacking pecking order.
AC Milan's Persistent Interest
However, Arteta's stance is set to be challenged. According to reports from GOAL, Serie A title challengers AC Milan are not giving up on their pursuit of the 28-year-old. Milan, currently just one point behind rivals Inter Milan at the summit of Italian football, are keen to bolster their attacking options to maintain their title push.
The Italian club's interest presents Arsenal with a dilemma. While the club is under no financial pressure to sell, with Jesus contracted until 2027, a substantial offer could force a difficult decision. The Gunners are enjoying a superb season, sitting two points clear at the top of the Premier League and competing on all fronts, thanks in part to their improved squad depth.
Why Arsenal Might Think Twice About a Sale
Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy have recent, painful experience that argues strongly against reducing their striker options. Last season, the club's title challenge was hampered when an injury to Jesus was quickly followed by one to Kai Havertz, leaving them without a recognised centre-forward.
This experience has likely shaped the manager's current thinking. Maintaining three senior strikers provides essential insurance against the unpredictable nature of injuries, especially during a congested fixture schedule across multiple competitions. Letting Jesus go would leave Arsenal potentially vulnerable to a repeat of last season's crisis, a risk Arteta seems unwilling to take as his team fights for the Premier League crown.
The coming weeks will reveal whether AC Milan's determination can sway Arsenal's resolve, or if Arteta's commitment to keeping Gabriel Jesus at the Emirates Stadium will prevail.
