Arsenal make Gabriel Jesus transfer stance perfectly clear as shock Mikel Arteta decision made

Latest Arsenal news with Mikel Arteta quickly dismissing talk of a January exit from Emirates Stadium for Gabriel Jesus

Mikel Arteta has seemingly provided his response to talk surrounding a potential Arsenal exit for Gabriel Jesus. The Brazil international has featured for just 183 minutes this season with Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard among the versatile options preferred in attack.

Such has been the rapid development of his side, the likes of Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, signed only two years ago, have already become fringe players. Injury issues for both have also not helped their case with Zinchenko currently absent and Jesus only just returning.

Following that, talk of a return for Jesus to boyhood club Palmeiras has emerged with Globo Esporte claiming the Gunners were 'contacted' in 'recent days' to discover details over Jesus' position. An exit being sanctioned looks extremely unlikely though with Arteta full of belief Jesus can make an impact this season.

"100 percent," he said when asked if the Brazilian could have a big impact when called upon. "One of the biggest things in this sport is mental toughness. Kai showed an unbelievable one [last season].

"And when you are surrounded by people who love you, wanting to put in everything that they can to help you and make you better, and people are little bit patient as well, and you see that that person is so willing after everything he's doing. Gabi looks like he really wants it so that's the best start."

And now Arteta has backed up his words by selecting Jesus in his Arsenal starting XI for the visit of Southampton. Raheem Sterling and Jorginho are other fringe players to be given the nod with Thomas Partey moved out to right-back because of the defensive injuries the Gunners are dealing with.

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Southampton LIVE: Partey right-back and Sterling, Jorginho and Jesus start

READ MORE: Martin Odegaard delivers huge injury update and details return timeline at Arsenal

Starts for Sterling and Jesus has seen Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard drop down to the bench with Havertz in midfield alongside Rice and Jorginho. Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori have all kept their spots in the team with David Raya in goal.

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