Gabriel Jesus has stated that he was made to train separately from his Arsenal teammates in the lead-up to his transfer to Barcelona. The forward, who completed a reported £8.6 million move to the Spanish club on deadline day, described the situation as an abrupt decision by Arsenal.
Jesus was notably absent from Arsenal's squad for the first two matches of the season, fueling speculation about his departure. He had been a part of Arsenal's preseason training but expressed awareness that his playing opportunities at the club might be limited.
"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," Jesus told SportyTV. "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's four-year tenure with Arsenal concluded after he joined Barcelona. He had initially joined the Gunners in 2022 from Manchester City. Despite missing a significant portion of 2025 due to a cruciate ligament tear, he was part of the squad that secured the Premier League title. In total, Jesus made 123 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously praised Jesus's impact on the club. "He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club," Arteta commented. "I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that's really helped achieve what happened next."
Jesus made his debut for Barcelona on Sunday, playing the final ten minutes of their 5-0 victory over Valencia in LaLiga. The swiftness of his transfer was facilitated by the work of Deco, the club president, and his agent, leading to an immediate agreement to join Barcelona.
