Gabriel Jesus eyes long-term future at Arsenal after injury comeback

The Brazil international, who returned to action in December after an 11-month knee injury, is yet to make his first Premier League start this season but is focused on regaining full fitness and helping Arsenal compete for trophies.

"My first target is to be healthy," Jesus said ahead of Arsenal's Champions League trip to Inter Milan on Tuesday. "This is my fourth season at Arsenal. Unfortunately, I have played maybe one-and-a-half, two seasons; the rest were with injuries. My wish is to stay at Arsenal. I want to extend my contract and win trophies because I came here with a purpose."

Despite his long-term absence, Jesus remains optimistic about his role in a squad that has been close to silverware in recent seasons. Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up in three of his four years at the club, and the striker believes they are edging closer to breaking that streak. "We are getting closer. We are in good shape, we are winning games, and I do believe we can win," he added.

Jesus faces competition for a starting spot, with Viktor Gyokeres and fit-again Kai Havertz also vying for forward roles. However, he voiced confidence in his teammates, describing Gyokeres as a "top striker" capable of delivering goals consistently. "In a club like Arsenal, there is no guaranteed spot for anyone. We're all here to help the team win games and trophies," he said.

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed the focus on staying grounded and taking things step by step. With Arsenal currently top of their Champions League group and holding a seven-point lead in the Premier League, Arteta emphasized the importance of winning upcoming fixtures to secure progression and avoid additional playoff rounds. "If we win tomorrow, we know we'll have the advantage. That's massive. We have to go game by game and enjoy the journey," he said.

Jesus, who has four Premier League titles from his time at Manchester City, is motivated by unfinished business in north London. While no contract talks have taken place yet, the forward's message is clear: he wants to remain at Arsenal, stay fit, and help the club finally capture the trophies that have so narrowly eluded them in recent seasons.