Gabriel Jesus Opens Up on Arsenal Exit After £8.6m Barcelona Move
Gabriel Jesus has offered fresh insight into the circumstances surrounding his departure from Arsenal, revealing that he was separated from first team training shortly before completing an £8.6million move to Barcelona.
The Brazil international joined Barcelona on deadline day, bringing an end to four years in north London after it became increasingly clear that opportunities at Arsenal would be limited.
Arsenal Exit Developed Quickly
Jesus had taken part in all four of Arsenal’s official pre season fixtures and initially continued training alongside Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, the 29 year old says his situation changed abruptly as Arsenal prepared for the new campaign.
Speaking to SportyTV, Jesus said: ‘The truth is I was training, I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal normal and then obviously I knew already that probably I will not play there or get some opportunity,’ Jesus said.
‘But no-one told me nothing.
‘I’m a professional you know and then obviously I was training with the group and then from nothing they put me to train away from the group.
‘I was training and doing my maximum to be ready if I have the chance to play in a high level again and then obviously in the last week it was very quick.’
Jesus was subsequently omitted from Arsenal’s squad for their opening two matches, with all parties working towards a departure before the transfer deadline.
Photo: IMAGO
Barcelona Move Came Together in One Day
Barcelona then moved quickly to secure Jesus, with sporting director Deco and the club’s hierarchy playing key roles in completing the deal.
Jesus explained: ‘The work with Deco, and the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come (to Barcelona). I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here.’
The £8.6million agreement represented a significant reduction on the fee Arsenal paid Manchester City for Jesus in 2022.
His time with Arsenal produced 123 appearances, 32 goals and 22 assists, although injuries frequently disrupted his availability. A cruciate ligament tear ruled him out for much of 2025, before he returned to form part of Arsenal’s Premier League title winning squad.
Arteta Praises Jesus Contribution
Arteta offered a positive assessment following confirmation of the forward’s move to Barcelona.
‘He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,’ the Arsenal boss said earlier this month.
‘I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that’s really helped achieve what happened next.
‘And now, yeah, he has an amazing opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a beautiful place to live as well, and we are happy for him.’
Jesus has already made his Barcelona debut, coming on for the final ten minutes of Sunday’s 5-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia.
For Barcelona, the relatively modest fee reduces the financial risk attached to the deal. For Gabriel Jesus, the move offers an opportunity to rebuild momentum at another major European club after his Arsenal career reached a natural conclusion.