Mikel Arteta reveals why Gabriel Jesus left Arsenal for Barcelona | OneFootball

In the final days of the summer transfer window, Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona from Premier League champions Arsenal. The 29-year-old striker was brought in as cover following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and it was a move that caught many by surprise.

Barcelona’s interest in Jesus became public knowledge only hours before a deal was agreed with Arsenal. The Catalans will pay a total package of €14m for the Brazilian, who scored his first goal for his new club in the 5-1 victory over Feyenoord last midweek. There is hope that he can have a positive impact at the Spotify Camp Nou, which is someone that he struggled with in North London.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has now opened up on Jesus’ departure. As per MD, he took some of the blame for the way the exit came about, with the forward having been exiled from first team training prior to ending up in Catalonia.

“To be honest, especially with Gabi, I had an individual talk in the dressing room. The words we addressed each other were all of gratitude but if someone has to be the bad cop, I will be and I understand it. With other players who left at some point, my relationship with them has improved a lot. I hope this is the case as well.”

Jesus can be a success at Barcelona – if he keeps himself fit

Jesus was a top striker during his Manchester City days, but he struggled to get close to those levels at Arsenal. If Barcelona can get the version that played under Pep Guardiola, €14m would be an absolute bargain – especially as his high-pressing playstyle is tailor-made for Hansi. However, he must make sure to avoid injuries, as this is where he had a lot of issues with Arteta.