Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has surprised everyone with a strong and clear message during his latest press conference. With his team struggling through a heavy injury crisis, Arteta refused to even think about selling Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window. His answer was short, sharp, and full of meaning, and it shows exactly how serious things have become inside the Arsenal camp.
Arteta’s team is currently fighting at the top of the Premier League. They are only two points behind Manchester City, and every match matters. But the problem is simple: too many players are injured. At a moment when Arsenal need a full and strong squad, Arteta is missing up to eight players.
This is why the return of Gabriel Jesus has come at the perfect time. The striker had been out for 11 long months with a serious knee injury. It was a difficult and emotional journey for him as he worked his way back to fitness. But this week, he finally stepped onto the pitch again.
Jesus made his comeback during Arsenal’s 3–0 Champions League win over Club Brugge. He came off the bench and immediately showed his energy and hunger. Arteta said Jesus proved his value “straight away in the first minute that he was available to play.”
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Arsenal now face Wolves in the Premier League. It is a top-vs-bottom clash, and normally such a match might look easy. But Arteta refuses to take any team lightly. Wolves may have only two points from their 15 matches, but Arsenal’s manager says this is exactly when teams fight the hardest.
Arteta explained: “In any Premier League match and especially against a team that is fighting against results, I know the manager really well and how he’s going to push and get the players ready to do that. So from our side, we’re going to go full gas from the beginning.”
But the real headline moment came when a reporter asked Arteta if he would consider selling Jesus in January. The answer was immediate. The answer was strong. The answer spoke volumes.
“No, I don’t consider that, especially with the situation that we have right now,” Arteta said.
“I think Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he’s proven that straight away. He’s put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us.”
Arteta made it clear: Jesus is not for sale. Not even close. Not even a conversation.
This is an important message to fans, rivals, and the whole football world. When some clubs might consider selling players to raise money for new signings, Arsenal are doing the opposite. Arteta wants to keep Jesus and make him a key part of the title push.
The manager is also confident that Jesus can compete with Viktor Gyokeres for the role of Arsenal’s main striker.
“Yes. A player of his quality, a player that has given us so much,” Arteta said.
“He comes with the energy that he came the other day. He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that. That’s for sure.”
This shows how much belief Arteta has in him, even after nearly a year away from the game.
For Jesus, the comeback is emotional. After the game against Brugge, he shared his feelings openly.
“So with 11 months of helping myself and then feeling scared to come back different, maybe with some limitations… just to walk outside and then play with the boys, I’m so pleased,” he said.
“I feel more than ready. So, I’m here to say God saved my life.”
His honesty touched many fans. It is not easy for any player to return after such a long injury, especially with fear of being different or not as strong as before. But Jesus showed courage and faith.
Arsenal will rely on him over the next few weeks. The schedule is busy and intense. They face Wolves, Everton, Brighton, and Aston Villa, four tough Premier League games. They also have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace in between.
With Kai Havertz still out injured and Leandro Trossard a doubt, Arteta needs every strong player he can get. This is why he talked about the importance of a big squad, especially during the Christmas period when matches come one after another.
The message is simple: Arsenal are fighting for the title, and Gabriel Jesus is a big part of that fight.
Arteta’s decision not to sell him shows how much he values Jesus’ experience, energy, and leadership. The team needs him now more than ever.
As Arsenal push forward in their title chase, fans will surely watch Jesus closely. Can he regain his old form? Can he become Arsenal’s main striker again? Can he help carry the team through this injury storm?
What is clear for now is that Arteta believes in him. Jesus believes in himself. And the Arsenal story is getting more exciting every week.
