"Spends too much time on the bench" - Rivaldo urges Arsenal star to leave the Gunners this summer

Former AC Milan midfielder and Brazilian legend Rivaldo has urged Gabriel Jesus to look for a move away from Arsenal due to a lack of playing time. The Brazilian has stated that the former Manchester City striker needs to prepare for the 2026 World Cup and getting more playing time under his belt is the only way to go about it.

The 27-year-old joined the Gunners in 2022 after a rather successful stint with the Cityzens. However, he played second fiddle during Sergio Aguero's heyday. A move to another club looked like the best option once Pep Guardiola brought on Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Sadly, the Brazilian forward has found himself warming the bench at Arsenal as well. With Mikel Arteta preferring the trio of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Bukayo Saka, Jesus has been sidelined yet again.

Rivaldo stated that there are other players in the 27-year-old's position and scoring goals might be the only way to make it to the national team and that can only be achieved with more playing time.

Here's what the 52-year-old said (via betting.betfair):

"He has lost his place in the Arsenal starting line-up and spends too much time on the bench. He has already been to the World Cup, but there are other players in the same position standing out, scoring goals, and Jesus needs more minutes."

"Without much opportunity to play, it is time for him to think about leaving the club to be able to return to the Brazilian national team. Jesus needs to be ready for the 2026 World Cup and he will not get there because of what he did in the past. Football is about what a player is currently showing, so he needs to be a starter."

Interestingly, Rivaldo also urged Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison and Manchester United's Casemiro to also look for greener pastures. The former's stint with Spurs has been plagued with injuries and despite a few good performances here and there, Richarlison hasn't found his groove yet.

As for Casemiro, the Brazilian for sure has seen better days. He was once hailed as The Red Devils' best signing of the decade. However, his recent run-of-the-mill performances coupled with United's well-known overall troubles, have put a massive question mark on his future at the club.

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Arsenal inch closer to their first Premier League title in over two decades

The Gunners came pretty close to winning the title last year, however, lost it to Manchester City only by a slender margin.

Mikel Arteta's men have pushed themselves even more this year, winning more matches than 'The Invincibles' did in 2003-04. Arsenal have won 27 matches already while 'The Invincibles' only managed 26 when they remained unbeaten in the aforementioned season.

Arsenal take on Everton at home on May 19, Sunday, which will also be the last matchday of the season. They'll be hoping that Manchester City drop points against West Ham United, which will allow them to claim their first Premier League title in over two decades.

As for City, a win against the Hammers would make it four consecutive titles in a row, something that has never been achieved before.