MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Ruzzani/Getty Images)
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he “dreamed of playing” in Italy as a child and admitted Carlo Ancelotti was right to leave him out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, saying: “I didn’t deserve it.”
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has left the door open to a potential move to Serie A in the summer.
Gabriel Jesus: “I grew up watching Serie A”
In recent weeks, there have been reports in the Italian and British media that both Juventus and Milan are interested in a potential signing, with the striker telling Gazzetta: “I grew up watching Serie A and dreamed of playing in Italy. Scoring those two goals against Inter at San Siro was like a dream come true. I don’t know what my future will be. I’m working now and I’ll see what happens at Arsenal.”
The 29-year-old scored six goals in 27 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal in 2025-26, and his contract in north London expires in June 2027. The Brazilian described himself as “a happy guy, who jokes with everyone, including Calafioli, who I play with at Arsenal.”
“Calafioli loves Brazil the same way I love Italy. He is in Brazil right now and is sending me photos and Brazilian music,” the striker revealed.
Gabriel Jesus has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after lacking playing time for Arsenal in the 2025-26 season, but the Arsenal man has no hard feelings towards Ancelotti.
“I don’t think I was that close to making the team,” admitted the striker.
“Last year, there were other players who were called up multiple times and ended up being left out. If you ask me, ‘Did you deserve to be on the list?’ I say no. ”
The Arsenal striker revealed the last time he spoke to Ancelotti, saying: “We spoke in January when we were scoring goals. Unfortunately, at the end of the season I didn’t have any playing time and to be honest, that’s why I didn’t qualify for the World Cup. I understand the situation.”
“Everyone has to respect him (Ancelotti),” concluded Gabriel Jesus.
“He’s been the most successful. What I’ve been most impressed with is what the people who have worked with him have said. He’s open and makes the team a family.”
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