Arsenal refuse to sell 29yo for less than £18m

Arsenal will reportedly stand firm on their valuation of Gabriel Jesus, refusing to sell him for a cut-price fee before his contract expires.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that various clubs have enquired about Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window, and Arsenal have told all of them that the striker is available for between £18m and £20m.

Whilst Jesus has a year left on his contract and can leave for free in 2027, Arsenal will not considering selling him cheaply before then.

Reports from earlier in the day had suggested that Arsenal were willing to do business for £5m, but these new claims from one of football’s most reliable journalists suggest that’s not the case.

Football insider Hand of Arsenal corroborates the claims, reporting that Arsenal have made it clear that any summer transfers will only be for respectable fees.

Arsenal are to take a strong, hard-line stance on sales, which would suggest the club are trying to reform their reputation in the transfer market.

The Gunners have often been viewed as weak sellers in previous years, and there’s evidently a desire to change that.

Arsenal will obviously be aided by another strong season on the pitch. The team are already Premier League champions and Champions League finalists, with the opportunity to win the latter competition on Saturday.

The squad could still use some summer upgrades, but it’s no longer in need of an overhaul, and on-field performance should provide plenty of transfer funds. Arsenal could reasonably hold onto any player who doesn’t attract a decent bid, including Jesus.

Manchester City have long benefitted from a similar situation, as their recent frequent trophy success has meant they’ve only sold players when the sale was right for them. Arsenal now need to follow suit and maximise on a positive 2025/26.

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