Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is reportedly open to moving to Flamengo on loan this summer. Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte says the deal could be a season‑long loan with an option to make it permanent.
Flamengo will pay half of his wages, and Arsenal will cover the rest.
Jesus himself is said to have given the green light to talks. He reportedly sees it as a smart move to get regular playing time before the 2026 World Cup.
With Flamengo having strong financial backing and a competitive squad, it’s a tempting package even though Jesus came up through Palmeiras, Flamengo’s rival.
From Arsenal’s side, they’ve already brought in several new attackers this summer, including Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. That push for fresh firepower makes Jesus surplus to needs for now, even if he's under contract until June 2027, and has been a useful backup since joining in 2022.
Gabriel Jesus’ recent career has been badly affected by injuries. In January 2025, he tore his ACL during an FA Cup match against Manchester United. It was a bad one, and it ruled him out for the rest of the season.
The injury came as he was starting to feel better again near the end of 2024. After that, it’s just been injuries all the time, and he hasn’t been able to get back into proper form.
So a loan to Flamengo could be a win-win. Arsenal save around £6 million in wages this season. Jesus gets regular football back home, at a club with passionate fans and high visibility. And he gets a shot at convincing Brazil’s coaching staff he deserves a place in the World Cup squad.
Beyond Jesus, Arsenal’s summer so far has seen six new signings: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martín Zubimendi.
The board clearly sees squad depth as key to breaking their recent run of finishing second in the Premier League.
With that influx, it's logical that some players will need to move on. Managers often have to balance form, fitness, position, and age. Injury has been disturbing him and it's hard for him to be regular in the team, especially with Havertz and now Gyokeres ahead of him.
Why Jesus Might Want to Join Flamengo
It’s less straightforward than it sounds: Jesus is a graduate of Palmeiras, Flamengo’s fiercest rival. Moving to Flamengo would be unusual in that context, but his ambition appears to override club history.
More important is the fit. Flamengo have resources and ambition. They’ve signed several players recently from Europe. Gabriel would be one of their headline picks. The proposed salary split helps make the deal workable financially for both sides.
From the player’s view, he needs to rebuild momentum. His last season was cut short by a serious knee injury. He’s already shared rehab footage from Palmeiras’ training base in Brazil. Returning home may help ease that process, both physically and mentally.
And ahead of the 2026 World Cup, playing regularly is non‑negotiable. Brazil are selecting from a deep pool of talent, Jesus closed that gap in 2022 but never regained full form. A season in Brazil, scoring and staying fit, makes sense strategically.
Arsenal’s squad rebuild and why they might let Jesus go
Arsenal have been busy in this transfer window. Six arrivals across goalkeeping, midfield, defence, and attack suggest Arteta wants a stronger, more competitive roster.
Gyokeres adds firepower, Nørgaard brings experience in midfield, Madueke and Mosquera offer new options on the wing or centre-back. The club appears to be pushing for sustained title challenge, not just one season of success.
This rise in numbers makes some exits inevitable. Jesus has talent, but when healthy, Arteta prefers Havertz or Gyokeres. Jesus is 28 and coming off a big injury. The loan gives him time and space without disrupting Arsenal’s plans.
Arsenal still hold his contract through 2027, so it's clearly a temporary solution for now. If he flourishes, Flamengo could pay a permanent buy‑out at the end of the loan.
Young Talent to Watch at Arsenal: Max Dowman
While the first team evolves, academy excitement is building. Fans have already embraced Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri as emerging stars. Now another name is emerging. Max Dowman.
Max Dowman is 15 years old, he was born on December 31, 2009 but he’s already performing well in Arsenal’s youth team.
He was only 13 when he first played for Arsenal’s U18s. Then in September 2024, he scored against Atalanta in the Youth League and when he turned 14 years old, he became the youngest player to ever score in that competition.
He’s also been training with Arsenal’s first team in Dubai and even played in some pre-season games. That’s when people started noticing him including pundits and people inside the club.
But there’s a rule, Premier League regulations prevent any player who wasn’t registered as under‑16 by August 31, 2024 from appearing in senior matches this season.
Since Dowman turned 15 on December 31, 2024, he’s currently ineligible for matchday squads in 2024‑25, though training is allowed.
That hasn’t stopped Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand from praising him. On his YouTube show Rio Ferdinand Presents, he’s repeatedly said “Watch out; remember that name, Max Dowman.”
After facing AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Singapore, Dowman made his debut at 15 and impressed further. Ferdinand called him “probably the best 15‑year‑old in the country. Probably in Europe right now, Maybe the world.”
He added that he hears internal Arsenal voices telling him Dowman transfers his youth performance into first‑team training “like it’s nothing.”
That’s rare praise. Dowman’s game blends technical skill, maturity, vision, and an eye for tight passes qualities you’d expect from someone twice his age. Youth coach Gustavo Oliveira even compared him to Kaka, citing his style and intelligence on the ball.
Dowman’s world is just beginning. He’s eligible for a scholarship at 16 (in the 2026‑27 season), and if he continues like this, many expect him to break through next year when he can play officially. His progression mirrors Nwaneri’s & Lewis‑Skelly’s path but could hit a higher speed once eligibility lifts.
What This Means for Arsenal Going Forward
Arsenal are clearly at a shifting moment. The first-team squad is expanding, with new faces adding competition across every line. That growth may mean letting some existing players depart shifting resources, wages, and game plans to fit a new vision.
Gabriel Jesus represents that reality. When fit, he offers quality but his injuries and depth chart position make him expendable.
A loan to Flamengo lets him get back on track, gives Arsenal some financial breathing room, and opens space in the squad.
At the same time, Arsenal aren’t just buying new names, they’re trusting their academy more than ever. The rise of youth talent has put pressure on the transfer strategy.
The club’s model remains heavily investment-driven in talent from Hale End, and Dowman could be the next of that generation.
So while Jesus may head south to rebuild his career, Arsenal’s long-term game is still being built closer to home.
Arsenal have brought players like Gyokeres and Zubimendi, and they also have young talents like Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and Dowman. It’s now Arteta's job to figure out how to use both the new signings and the young players in the team.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
Gabriel Jesus is likely to head to Flamengo on loan in a deal that makes financial and footballing sense for both sides. He wants minutes.
Arsenal wants to reduce their roster and focus on new forwards. Flamengo has ambition and a chance to help him regain his form in Brazil.
Meanwhile, the academy buzz continues. Max Dowman is a name to remember, just 15, already training with the first team, drawing roars from Rio Ferdinand and insiders alike. He can’t play this season yet, but next year, he could easily be a regular.