Gabriel Jesus reveals Arsenal isolated him in training before Barcelona move was confirmed

Gabriel Jesus has revealed he was separated from Arsenal’s first-team training group in the weeks before his move to Barcelona was confirmed, shedding new light on the circumstances of his departure from the club.

The 29-year-old Brazilian had already been omitted from Arsenal’s Community Shield squad last month, with manager Mikel Arteta publicly insisting at the time that Jesus remained a valued member of his plans. That position, Jesus says, did not last.

“So, the truth is, I was training, I did all the pre-season with Arsenal as normal,” Jesus told SportyTV. “Obviously, I knew already that probably I would not play there or get many opportunities, but nobody told me nothing. Well, I am a professional. Obviously, I was training with the group. Then, from nothing, they put me to train away from the group.”

Jesus said the Barcelona deal came together rapidly in its final stages, with the club’s sporting director Deco and his own agent driving the process. “In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come. I said yes, straight away, no matter what, and I am so happy to be here.”

Once the transfer was completed, Arteta paid tribute to the striker’s contribution during his time at the Emirates. “Gabi’s gone to Barcelona, which I take the opportunity as well to give him a huge thank you,” the Arsenal manager said. “He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club. I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that’s really helped achieve what happened next.”

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and made an immediate impact, helping to reshape the club’s attacking identity under Arteta. His time at the club was, however, disrupted by a series of injuries that limited his availability across multiple seasons.

Arsenal’s summer activity extended beyond the Jesus deal. The club sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal, while bringing in Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes, and Christos Tzolis to strengthen the squad. Young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri was loaned to Borussia Dortmund as part of his development pathway.