Gabriel Jesus takes aim at Arsenal over his treatment before Barcelona move | OneFootball

Arsenal striker left out in the cold before late switch to Spain

Gabriel Jesus has aimed a parting shot at Arsenal following his move to Barcelona, claiming he was sidelined by the club before the Deadline Day move.

The Brazilian was heavily involved during Arsenal’s pre-season preparations, participating in four matches, before landing a surprise £8.6m move to Spanish giants Barcelona on the final day of the summer window.

But his final days as a Gunner saw him excluded from both Premier League matchday squads and forced to train away from his first-team team-mates.

“The truth is I was training, I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal [as] normal and then obviously I knew already that probably I will not play there or get some opportunity,” Jesus told SportyTV.

“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.”

On his move to Barcelona, Jesus said: “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.”

Following a switch from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus spent four years at Arsenal and made 123 appearances and scored 32 goals

Jesus suffered with fitness problems during his time in north London, most notably missing much of 2025 with a cruciate ligament tear, but he was part of the Arsenal squad last season that claimed their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has this to say on his departing player: “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.”