Arsenal star hints he is ready to leave this summer after title triumph

It could be a very busy summer at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

Gabriel Jesus has hinted his future may lie away from Arsenal following the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph.

The Brazil international was on the score sheet as a much-changed Arsenal team beat Crystal Palace on the final day of the season at Selhurst Park where they finally got their hands on the trophy.

It was his first starting appearance in the Premier League since February with just one year left on his current contract in north London.

Speaking after the game, Jesus was reluctant to directly address the topic of his future. But pleased with his performance against Palace, the 29-year-old felt it was proof he can still play at the highest level and wants the opportunities to keep doing that.

“There’s a lot of talk [about the future] and I’m being very honest,’ Jesus told ESPN Brasil . ‘It’s not easy for a player who is always looking to improve and help on the field with what’s happening.

‘But like I said, I’m very respectful, I have a lot of respect for the coach, and especially my teammates.

’I made my contribution when I came back. Many thought I would return calmly, that it would take longer. But, from the first Champions League game , I came back with everything, without any doubt, and played most of the games. It’s not easy mentally, but I was resilient and respected the coach.

Jesus scored on the final day of the season against Palace (Picture: Getty)

‘The future belongs to God. I still have a year left on my contract with Arsenal. I want to play, I want to prove to myself that I can play at a high level.

‘Today [against Palace], I could have scored two or three more goals. This shows me that I’m still a player who can perform at a high level even with such a serious injury.

I have my head in the right place, I think every day about how to keep my head in the right place, train hard and stay focused.’

Jesus missed the first four months of the season as a result of a ACL injury he suffered in January last year.

Jesus returned from injury in December (Picture: Getty)

The former Manchester City star returned to action in December during a time where Viktor Gyokeres ’ was struggling for goals and Kai Havertz was also still working his way back from injury.

After some bright performances, there were even calls for Jesus to become Mikel Arteta’s no1 striker again with Jamie Carragher insisting he should be starting ahead of Gyokeres.

But as the season wore on, Jesus’ opportunities in the starting XI were largely limited to the FA Cup, starting every round up until Arsenal’s elimination against Southampton.

Before Sunday’s game at Palace, Jesus came off the bench in just three of his side’s previous 12 league games, racking up a combined 65 minutes of playing time.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour told Metro earlier this year he expects the Brazilian to move on , believing his old side will target another centre forward this summer.