Jesus admits he is interested in return to Palmeiras as he closes in on return

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.

'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.'

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.