Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a move away from the club, with Flamengo preparing a formal offer to take the Brazilian on loan.
Sporting News understands that Mikel Arteta has given the green light for Jesus to leave this summer, with a loan move currently seen as the most likely option.
The 28-year-old is open to returning to his homeland and Flamengo have already received a positive response from the striker's camp.
A deal is being explored which would see Jesus join the Rio de Janeiro side on loan until June 2026, with an option to buy included in the proposal.
Negotiations are being led by influential agent Giuliano Bertolucci and would involve a shared salary arrangement, with both Arsenal and Flamengo contributing 50 per cent each to Jesus's wages.
Jesus is understood to view a return to Brazil as a strategic move to regain full fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
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His representatives have formally informed the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) of his intention to return to domestic football.
The forward would be eligible to feature for Flamengo in the Brasileirao, Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores, with the club viewing his potential arrival as a major reinforcement for a packed fixture schedule.
Jesus has been sidelined since January with a cruciate ligament injury and will be further down the pecking order following the imminent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting.
The Swedish striker is expected to complete a move to Arsenal this weekend, which could further accelerate Jesus's departure.
Gyokeres will undergo his medical on Saturday ahead of completing the move which is worth around €70M, with €63.5M fixed and €6.5M in add-ons ($76M total).
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