Parlour Warns Jesus May Exit Emirates in Summer Hunt for Regular Football

Ray Parlour has flagged the distinct possibility that Gabriel Jesus will pursue an exit from Arsenal this summer as the Brazilian searches for guaranteed first-team football.

With the Gunners locked in a genuine title race on multiple fronts – sitting six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League whilst preparing for a Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid at 1-1 – Mikel Arteta has necessarily been ruthless with his squad rotation. The club's recent cup exits, including a League Cup final defeat, have sharpened focus on their remaining objectives.

Jesus has found himself starved of meaningful minutes lately, managing just 47 minutes across the Gunners' last pair of outings whilst predominantly warming the bench beforehand. The lack of consistent opportunities has prompted Parlour to predict the striker will seek pastures new.

Speaking to Metro, the Arsenal legend outlined his reasoning: "I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out. We could lose him. We had four strikers when I played. That's what I don't understand. Bring in another one anyway [whether or not he leaves]. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set."

Parlour's assessment aligns with observations from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who recently detailed the Brazilian's thinking. Romano explained that Jesus switched representation at the start of 2026 to evaluate his options moving forward.

"He is under contract with Arsenal until 2027, but I can guarantee to you that at this stage, the player is completely focused on trying to win something with Arsenal this season," Romano stated. "He is really obsessed by that; he loves Arsenal."

The insider added that summer 2026 presents a potential departure window, though it remains conditional on circumstances. "In the summer – not now in April or May – Gabriel Jesus could assess proposals in case of good bids for summer 2026. He could leave Arsenal one year before the expiration of his contract; that's a possibility, but it's not something he is actively searching for now. He wants to fight for titles, and then in the summer, the possibility for his exit could become concrete."