Arsenal news: Jesus makes exit statement as team-mate pleads for return | Football | Sport

The Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain is set to dominate Arsenal’s attention this week. Having triumphantly secured their first Premier League title in 22 years, the anticipation is building to see whether the Gunners can etch their names further into the history books by claiming their first-ever Champions League crown.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be long remembered as the team that ended Arsenal‘s agonising title drought, more than two decades on from the legendary Invincibles. Yet his squad could elevate themselves to even greater heights with a stunning continental double.

Away from the Puskas Arena, however, there are other matters demanding attention, with one key figure speaking out about speculation surrounding his future in north London. Here, we round up the latest headlines from around the Emirates Stadium this week.

Jesus addresses exit rumours

Having seized his opportunity with a rare start in Sunday’s victory over Crystal Palace, Gabriel Jesus’ future at Arsenal has become an even hotter topic.

The Brazil international has just 12 months remaining on his current deal and may not be first in line for a contract extension, having turned 29 in April.

The former Manchester City forward is also the third-highest earner at Arsenal, behind Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, despite having started just 11 times across all competitions this season. Persistent injury setbacks have been a major factor, with Jesus missing almost the entire first half of the season while recovering from a torn ACL.

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And it appears the Sao Paulo-born star is just as uncertain as everyone else about what lies ahead. Nevertheless, he appeared optimistic about staying at the Emirates when reflecting on his future after netting in the 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

“The future belongs to God. I still have one year left on my Arsenal contract,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I want to play and prove to myself that I can still play at a high level.”

It spoke volumes that Arteta handed Jesus the captain’s armband for Sunday’s curtain call against Palace. A largely second-string line-up took to the field in south London ahead of the trip to Budapest, where Jesus will be eager to play his part.

Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival at Arsenal last summer immediately pushed Jesus further down the striking pecking order under Arteta. Yet that doesn’t necessarily mean either party would be opposed to at least one further season together before his contract runs out. Arsenal may be willing to sanction his departure should a prospective buyer be prepared to match his wages.

He added: “A lot is said about my future and I’m very honest. It’s not easy for a player who always wants to evolve and help on the pitch with what’s been happening.”

Zubimendi pleads for final recall

Another player who has found himself sidelined at Arsenal of late, Martin Zubimendi, earned his first start in a month against Palace. The Euro 2024 winner has since declared he’s “ready to go” and reclaim his place in the starting XI for Saturday’s showdown with PSG.

Zubimendi has been restricted to the bench for three Premier League matches, and was also dropped for the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has forced his way back into Arteta’s thinking as a deep-lying midfielder and may now be regarded as ahead of Zubimendi in the current pecking order.

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When Marca asked whether the Spaniard envisioned himself returning to the starting line-up against PSG, Zubimendi replied: “I always see myself playing, but what actually happens is another matter.

“Lately, I haven’t been getting much playing time, but I’m ready to go out and play. My overall performance in the Premier League has been very good, and I’m not going to dwell on these benchings.

“It’s been a very demanding, long season, in which I’ve made efforts I haven’t made in my career, and that’s surely taken its toll. But I think I’m back to normal now.”

Arteta will have the final say as the Gunners face their ultimate challenge. Declan Rice is virtually guaranteed a place in the heart of midfield, potentially partnered by Martin Odegaard, while Eberechi Eze is the other high-profile contender pushing for a starting berth in the middle of the park come Saturday.