This week, Mikel Arteta must decide who he wants to lead the Arsenal frontline in the UEFA Champions League final.
Gabriel Jesus has asked Mikel Arteta for the chance to prove he can still contribute at Arsenall. The 29-year-old striker, who fired Arsenal to victory over Crystal Palace on the last day of the Premier League season, will enter the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium next month.
Jesus featured 27 times across all competitions for the Gunners this term, scoring six goals and providing two assists, but he spent no more than 1,000 minutes on the pitch. The Brazil international, who was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the World Cup, missed the first half of the campaign due to injury.
But even once Jesus had returned to action and rebuilt his fitness, he still rarely started any games. Interestingly, the striker was given the captain’s armband for the clash against Oliver Glasner’s side last weekend.
Jesus led Arsenal to victory, breaking the deadlock just before the break. Although the Brazilian etched his name on the scoresheet, he could have bagged a hat-trick before half-time, having missed a couple of gilt-edged chances.
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Despite his best efforts, Jesus hardly staked a strong claim for a place in the starting lineup this weekend, when Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. In an interview with ESPN Brazil ahead of the trip to Budapest, he suggested that something has been troubling him.
When quizzed on his future in north London, Jesus said: “There’s a lot of talk, and I’m being very honest. It’s not easy for a player who is always looking to improve and help on the field with what’s happening… But like I said, I’m very respectful; I have a lot of respect for the coach and, especially, my teammates.
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“I made my contribution when I came back. Many thought I would return calmly, that it would take longer. But from the first Champions League game, I came back with everything, without any doubt, and played most of the games.
Outlining his demands, Jesus continued: “It’s not easy mentally, but I was resilient and respected the coach. The future belongs to God. I still have a year left on my contract with Arsenal. I want to play. I want to prove to myself that I can play at a high level.”
Reflecting on the Crystal Palace clash, Jesus said: “I could have scored two or three more goals. This shows me that I’m still a player who can perform at a high level even with such a serious injury.
“I have my head in the right place, I think every day about how to keep my head in the right place, train hard and stay focused.”
On winning the Premier League with Arsenal, Jesus said: “It’s not easy. We’re talking about the most competitive league in the world, which has giant teams, and the teams fighting in the middle of the table can take points from you; it’s a very difficult league.
“Competing against a team that has been winning without as much pressure as we have, after 22 years, with so many stars, so many brilliant players who haven’t managed it, it’s normal that the pressure will arrive.
“This shows that we have been working in the right direction and that God has blessed the path. This year has been a testament to resilience, not only in the Premier League but also in reaching the Champions League final for the second time.
“This group deserves congratulations; this squad deserves congratulations. Now it’s time to celebrate the Premier League title, which we have been working hard for. Starting Monday and Tuesday, it’s time to focus on PSG…”
This week, Arteta must decide who he would like to lead the Arsenal frontline at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, May 30. Although Jesus has asked for more game time, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres appear to be far more likely to start the Champions League final.
