According to a report by Football London on Tuesday May 26, 2026, Gabriel Jesus has made it clear he wants more opportunities to prove his value at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta prepares for a major selection decision ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against PSG. The striker believes he still has an important role to play despite limited minutes this season.
The 29-year-old forward, who scored in Arsenal’s final Premier League game against Crystal Palace, will soon enter the final year of his contract. His campaign has been disrupted by injury, restricting him to just 27 appearances across all competitions and under 1,000 minutes on the pitch.
Even after returning to full fitness, Jesus has struggled to secure regular starts under Arteta. However, he was surprisingly handed the captain’s armband against Crystal Palace, where he scored once but could have easily recorded a hat-trick after missing several clear chances.
Despite that performance, Jesus is still not considered a strong contender to start the Champions League final. Arsenal are expected to choose between Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres to lead the attack, with both offering different tactical strengths for the decisive match.
In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Jesus admitted frustration over his situation but stressed his commitment to the team. He said he remains focused on training, respects the coach’s decisions, and is determined to continue improving and contributing whenever called upon.
He also emphasised his desire to play regularly, stating that he wants to prove he can still perform at a high level after recovering from a serious injury. The Brazilian forward added that he feels mentally strong and fully committed to regaining consistency.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, Jesus praised the team’s resilience in a highly competitive season and highlighted their ability to cope with pressure. He insisted the squad deserves credit for their achievements and must now shift focus to PSG.
With Arteta finalizing his plans for the final, Jesus’ future role remains uncertain, but he continues to push for more responsibility at a crucial stage of Arsenal’s season.