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Mikel Arteta is preparing for a major overhaul of his Arsenal squad this summer, demanding that the club display strong ambition to stay among the elite. Even after lifting the Premier League trophy, the Gunners’ heartbreak in the Champions League final has emphasised the need for fresh energy at the Emirates. As part of this rebuild, Arsenal are now open to selling Gabriel Jesus for around £18 million.

Jesus appears to be leading the list of potential summer exits. As per reports from the Daily Mail, the club has placed a surprisingly modest valuation on the Brazilian forward as they gear up for a significant reshaping of the team. The 29-year-old, who is also exploring British citizenship, will be permitted to leave north London if a bid exceeding £18 million arrives. His exit would signify a notable change in Arteta’s attacking options as Arsenal look to bring in more clinical finishers.

Jesus is not the only senior player who might be departing. Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Ben White are also believed to be available if suitable offers are made. Keen to prevent stagnation, Arteta aims to refresh the side at a time when the club’s revenue is projected to reach nearly £770 million, supported by more than £300 million in television income. He is urging the Kroenke family to reinvest heavily into strengthening the first-team setup.

Following the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Arteta stressed that Arsenal must act decisively to stay competitive. “We have to begin making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level,” the Spaniard said. “We must show ambition because we are more than capable, but it’s going to require being very ambitious, very quick, and very smart.”

The manager has reportedly identified four key areas that need reinforcement: the left side of attack, a new number nine, a right-back, and greater depth in central midfield. The plan is to follow the principle of improving while on top – similar to the old Liverpool approach of “fixing the roof while the sun is shining” – ensuring Arsenal remain strong even as rivals prepare their own rebuilds.

Arsenal’s scouting efforts are stretching across Europe and within the Premier League. Nineteen-year-old Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas has emerged as a genuine target to bolster the defence. Domestically, the Gunners are monitoring Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali, though both would command hefty transfer fees. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi are also being considered by the recruitment department.

There is also speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford’s situation at Barcelona. Though the forward wishes to remain part of Hansi Flick’s plans, those close to him believe Arsenal could be a strong option if Barcelona’s financial situation forces his departure. Simultaneously, Arsenal are reportedly competing with Manchester United for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Leicester City’s 16-year-old prodigy Jeremy Monga.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, is believed to favour remaining in the Premier League next season and has not ruled out joining another English top-flight side in pursuit of more consistent first-team action. After a season of limited minutes, the 29-year-old former Manchester City attacker wants to re-establish himself as a key offensive figure. One motivation behind staying in England is his chance to surpass Roberto Firmino’s record of 82 Premier League goals; Jesus needs just four more to become the league’s highest-scoring Brazilian player.

Beyond football reasons, remaining in the UK carries significant administrative benefits for Jesus. Staying in England would allow him to finalise his British citizenship later this year—a milestone important both personally and professionally. Achieving citizenship means he could be registered as a home-grown player in future squad lists, a highly valuable status given the Premier League’s registration restrictions. This factor adds an additional appeal for both Jesus and potential English clubs, making a domestic transfer far more likely than a move abroad.