The Brazilian returned to full fitness in November, but competition for places in Arsenal's attack has grown sharply while he has been sidelined.

Jesus missed most of 2025 following a serious knee problem that required surgery and repeated rehabilitation spells. In his absence, Arsenal strengthened their frontline with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, while Mikel Merino's unexpected evolution into a reliable goalscoring option has impressed Mikel Arteta's coaching staff. Kai Havertz is also close to a full return, leaving Arsenal with four senior forwards pushing for minutes.

Arteta has repeatedly praised the collective depth of his squad, but Jesus has struggled for opportunities. When all attackers are available, he has often found himself as the final option in the rotation. Sources close to the player have said he is determined to rebuild his sharpness, but regular football has become increasingly difficult to find.

"I need to feel important on the pitch again," Jesus recently told ESPN Brasil, stressing that his priority is to recover his rhythm after a long spell out. The forward, who scored just three goals in the 2024-25 campaign before his injury, has admitted that competition is far stronger now than when he joined from Manchester City in 2022.

For most of his time at the Emirates, Jesus has been adamant that he would stay until the end of his contract in 2027. He had intended to fight for his place, even when linked with interest from clubs in Spain, Italy and his native Brazil. But the landscape has shifted.

According to ESPN Brasil, Jesus is now prepared to evaluate his future at the end of December and could agree to a move in the January window if his situation does not improve. Arsenal are challenging on several fronts, including the Premier League and Champions League, and may need to make tough squad decisions as they balance depth with player satisfaction.

With the transfer window approaching, both Arsenal and Jesus may soon face a pivotal choice. The club want to retain competition in every position, but the forward wants the regular football required to reignite his career. January now looks decisive.

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