Arsenal Make January Transfer U-Turn as Arteta Blocks Gabriel Jesus Exit

Mikel Arteta has blocked a January exit for Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal prioritise depth during a crucial title run-in.

Arsenal have reportedly made a significant U-turn in their January transfer plans, choosing to retain Gabriel Jesus as Mikel Arteta grows increasingly concerned about squad depth during a decisive phase of the season.

The Brazilian forward had looked increasingly likely to leave the Emirates following Viktor Gyokeres’ £63.7 million summer arrival from Sporting Lisbon. Many viewed that signing as a long-term upgrade in Arsenal’s attack, and by October, expectations grew that the club would move Jesus on after Christmas, particularly due to his recent injury struggles.

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However, the situation has changed. Jesus has regained full fitness and forced his way back into Arteta’s plans, leading Arsenal to reconsider any mid-season sale that could undermine their title charge.

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table, remain unbeaten in the Champions League, and have booked a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Despite that success, Arteta continues to manage a growing injury list that highlights how quickly squad depth can come under pressure.

Key defenders Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ben White remain unavailable, while Gyokeres missed a significant part of November through injury. At one stage, Arteta improvised by deploying midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward — a solution he hopes to avoid during the run-in.

Club figures view any January exit for Jesus, even with Gyokeres now established as the first-choice striker, as a risk that could “come back to bite” Arsenal if injuries strike again across multiple competitions.

January Strategy Shifts Toward Stability

Instead of pursuing aggressive business during the winter window, Arsenal have redirected their focus toward preserving squad stability.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal want to keep Gabriel Jesus for the rest of the season, with senior figures believing continuity matters more than reactive transfer activity. With the north Londoners already boasting one of Europe’s strongest squads, club officials see no urgent need to fast-track new signings unless a clear and decisive upgrade emerges.

This measured approach reflects Arteta’s broader transfer philosophy. While Arsenal have attracted links to defensive reinforcements and emerging talents, the manager continues to emphasise disciplined recruitment, prioritising quality over quantity.

Arteta has also spoken openly about Jesus’ mentality and commitment, praising the forward’s attitude during his lengthy recovery periods.

“I watched him when he was seven months out and the way he was moving, how much he wanted it,” Arteta said recently. “He explained beautifully what football means to him and how it affects his life.”

Those comments explain why Arteta still values Jesus so highly. Even when he starts on the bench, the 28-year-old provides tactical flexibility, relentless pressing, and big-game experience — attributes that could prove vital as Arsenal juggle Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup demands.

Jesus featured again in the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace, and although Arteta substituted him, his performance reinforced why the manager sees him as far more than a rotation option.

External Interest Brushed Aside

Despite reported interest from overseas — including claims that intermediaries offered Jesus to AC Milan — the striker has no intention of forcing a winter move. His stance aligns with Arsenal’s position, as both player and club commit to finishing the season together.

With Manchester City narrowing the gap and fixtures piling up, Arteta has shown little appetite for weakening his options at such a critical stage. Retaining Jesus may not generate the buzz of a marquee January signing, but inside the club, decision-makers see it as a move driven by experience and caution.

As Arsenal compete across four fronts, the choice to prioritise depth over disruption could prove decisive in their pursuit of long-awaited silverware.

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