Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal training exile before £8.6m Barcelona move

Gabriel Jesus has revealed he was forced to train away from the Arsenal squad before completing his £8.6million move to Barcelona on deadline day. The Brazil forward says he was abruptly separated from group training during the final week of the summer transfer window.

Transfer: Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona for £8.6million on deadline day.
Duration: Jesus spent four years at Arsenal after joining from Manchester City in 2022.
Departure: He was omitted from Arsenal's opening two matches of the season.
Training: Jesus was separated from first-team training in the last week before his exit.
Debut: Jesus made his Barcelona debut in a 5-0 LaLiga win over Valencia.
Arsenal career: He made 123 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists.

What was said

Jesus shared his version of events, stating that despite knowing his opportunities were limited, he was never officially informed. The separation from training came as a surprise.

“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. 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.”
— Gabriel Jesus to SportyTV

Jesus’s comments suggest a rapid and somewhat cold departure, with the move to Barcelona reportedly completed in a single day. He credited Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and the club’s president for their swift work.

“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.”
— Gabriel Jesus on his Barcelona transfer

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Jesus’s contribution, highlighting his role in transforming the club’s mentality.

“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. 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.”
— Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus’s departure

The numbers

Arsenal career: 123 appearances, 32 goals, 22 assists.
Transfer fee: £8.6million – a significant loss on the fee Arsenal paid Manchester City in 2022.
Arsenal pre-season: Jesus featured in all four official fixtures.
Barcelona debut: Played the final ten minutes in the 5-0 win over Valencia.
Injury history: A cruciate ligament tear ruled him out for much of 2025.

Deal details

The transfer fee was £8.6million, a significant reduction on the fee Arsenal originally paid Manchester City. Jesus joined Barcelona on deadline day, with the deal coordinated by sporting director Deco and the club's hierarchy. Jesus has joined on a contract that was not disclosed in the source, but he has already made his debut. This move marks a fresh start for the Brazil international after his role at Arsenal diminished.

Why Arteta sanctioned Jesus's exit

Arteta’s decision to separate Jesus from the squad reflects his focus on building a cohesive unit. With Jesus’s opportunities limited, the manager prioritised squad harmony. The £8.6million fee, though a loss, enabled Arsenal to offload a player who was unlikely to feature regularly, freeing wages and reducing disruption. For Barcelona, the modest fee minimised financial risk, allowing them to add a proven forward without a massive outlay.

Jesus’s presence at Arsenal had been hampered by injuries, particularly the cruciate ligament issue that sidelined him for much of 2025. Even when fit, the emergence of other attacking options meant his game time would have been limited. Arteta’s positive farewell indicates no lasting acrimony, but the manner of his departure – training away from the group – suggests a clinical business decision.

Talking points

Was it right for Arsenal to sideline Jesus without transparency, or does the club’s need for squad stability justify the approach?
Can Jesus rediscover his best form at Barcelona, or will his injury record continue to hamper him?
Is £8.6million fair value for a player of Jesus’s calibre, or did Arsenal undersell due to his contract situation?
How will Arsenal’s attack shape up without Jesus, and who steps up in his absence?

What happens next

Gabriel Jesus will aim to build on his Barcelona debut as they continue their LaLiga campaign. Arsenal, meanwhile, face Napoli in the Champions League and will rely on their current attacking options. The January transfer window will be interesting to see if Arsenal reinvest the £8.6million fee.