Mikel Arteta makes stance clear on Arsenal selling Gabriel Jesus in January transfer window

Mikel Arteta has said that Gabriel Jesus will stay at Arsenal for the remainder of the season. He said that the Brazilian could play an important role as he builds his fitness after a long-term injury.

Jesus made his return to action in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Club Brugge away in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, December 10. He played 28 minutes, marking his first first-team action in around 11 months. The Brazilian has faced numerous injury issues over the years, missing over 70 games for the club.

Moreover, Jesus now faces competition from Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz for the striker position. Hence, he has been linked with a move away from Arsenal in January. When asked about this, Mikel Arteta said (h/t Metro):

"I don’t consider that, especially with the situation that we have right now. I think Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he’s proven that straightaway in the first minute that he was available to play he’s put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us."

"We know his quality, a player that has given us so much and he comes with the energy that came the other day. He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming [to start], that’s for sure," he added.

Arsenal signed Jesus from Manchester City for a reported fee of £45 million in 2022. He's since recorded 26 goals and 20 assists in 97 games for the north London side.

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Mikel Arteta shares thoughts on Arsenal youngster's future at the club

The Spanish head coach was also asked about the speculation surrounding Ethan Nwaneri's immediate future at the club. The Arsenal academy graduate has made 11 appearances across competitions this season, scoring once. He has started just three games, none of them in the Premier League.

Hence, there has been speculation that Nwaneri could leave on loan in January. Mikel Arteta said about his future:

"In the same manner that other players have to cope with this kind of situation, preparing in the best possible way, I think he’s doing it. His attitude has been excellent and when he’s got the chance to play, he proved that I’m wrong, that he needs to play more minutes and help the team as much as possible."

"Ethan’s attitude on that [ being asked to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly] is exceptional. He wants to train and he wants to be outside and he wants to be in touch with that ball. In that sense, he’s top," he added.

Nwaneri, 18, has made 50 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists.