Gabriel Jesus has said he wants to extend his contract at Arsenal, making clear his priority is staying fit and remaining at the club long term.
“My first target is to be healthy,” he said.
“This is my fourth season at Arsenal and hopefully I play maybe one and a half, two and then the rest with injuries.
“So, I just try to be fit. My wish is to stay at Arsenal – I want to extend my contract. I want to stay. I want to win trophies with Arsenal because I come here with a purpose and that’s it. But obviously, the reality is different.”
The forward believes Arsenal are moving in the right direction after coming close in recent campaigns, and says the squad still have the belief they can go one better.
“We are getting closer. Unfortunately, the last three seasons since I’m here at Arsenal, we finished in second. But we are in good shape – we are happy we are in the position that we are winning games. I do believe we can win.”
Jesus also backed Viktor Gyokeres after a difficult start following his £64million move from Sporting Lisbon, insisting the striker will be supported by those around him.
Jesus said: “Vik is an amazing player. He’s a striker who can score goals every time, at any minute.
“I have been in the position Vik is in now, and that is not easy. But I’m sure everyone here – not only the coach and staff, the players as well – are going to support him and give him the belief he is here to help us.
“He has helped already a lot. Every game he has helped with something – sometimes not scoring, but he helped with another movement or fighting to win the game.”
Jesus returned to the squad last month after 11 months out with an ACL injury and has a deal that expires in the summer of 2027.
Brazilian side Palmeiras, where he started his career, have a long-standing interest in the player, with Arsenal understood to be open to selling, despite repeated denials, but Jesus is determined to earn a new deal with The Gunners.