Arsenal open to offers for Jesus as doubts emerge over his long-term fitness

  /  autty

Arsenal will listen to offers for Gabriel Jesus this summer as the club look to cash-in on the Brazilian who has struggled with injuries during his time at the club, according to reports.

Jesus' arrival at Manchester City two-years ago marked one of Mikel Arteta's marquee signings as he returned to his former club in search of new recruits.

The Brazilian started brightly with three goals and three assists in his first five Premier League outings for the Gunners and was hailed as the proven goalscorer that Arsenal had lacked in previous seasons.

He quickly cemented his starting place in Arsenal's attack, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, but was hampered as fitness issues were brought to the forefront.

Multiple procedures on muscle complaints have dogged his return to form since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Arsenal will now listen to offers for the 27-year-old as reported by The Athletic.

Jesus still has three-years remaining on his existing contract at the Emirates and the club will consider sanctioning a sale if a suitable offer arrives after previously forking out £45m for his signature.

The emergence of Kai Havertz who has starred as a proven goalscorer after joining from cross-city rivals Chelsea last summer has reduced the reliance on Jesus, while the club have also been linked with a potential move for another proven striker.

Jesus is a popular figure amongst his Arsenal team-mates and is well-liked by Arteta with whom he has built a strong relationship with during his previous time at City and subsequent years in north London.

The four-time Premier League winner has scored 19 goals in 66 appearances for Arsenal, but has managed just four English top-flight goals during a difficult campaign.

A knee injury suffered at the last World Cup with Brazil derailed his positive start to life at Arsenal as he underwent multiple surgeries on the complaint.

However, Jesus revealed he is still battling with knee problems and could undergo another surgery in the summer to correct the issue.

'Even here at Arsenal, there are things that you have to hold on to: go train, play, train today, don't train, play. In short, it's difficult, but my desire is always to be available for both Arsenal and the national team.

'It doesn't matter if, at the end of the season, I have to open up my knee and correct what's getting in the way and end up missing out on a chance to play in the Copa America. I'm just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as much as I can.'

Related: Arsenal Mikel Arteta Jesus
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