Barcelona forward Gabriel Jesus has revealed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stopped him from training with the club’s first-team squad shortly before his transfer to the Spanish champions.
Jesus’ revelation comes after his £8.6 million move from Arsenal to Barcelona, bringing an end to his four-year spell in north London. Reports had indicated that the Brazilian was no longer training with Arsenal’s first team as the club prepared for his departure.
The development offers further insight into the final stages of Jesus’ Arsenal career, particularly after Arteta had publicly described the forward as an important member of his squad earlier in August.
Jesus was omitted from Arsenal’s Community Shield squad alongside fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli. At the time, however, Arteta said both players remained “important” to the team, suggesting that their futures had not yet been completely settled.
The situation changed later in the transfer window, with Jesus eventually completing his move to Barcelona. Arsenal subsequently lost several attacking players, including Jesus and Martinelli, while the club opted against making major late additions to its forward line.
Jesus’ departure is significant because he had been one of Arsenal’s major attacking options since arriving from Manchester City in 2022. Injuries, particularly his serious knee problems, affected his consistency during his time at the Emirates, although he produced important performances when fit.
The 29-year-old now begins a new chapter at Barcelona, where he is expected to provide additional attacking options for manager Hansi Flick. He has already trained with the Catalan club and could be involved in the team’s upcoming LaLiga fixtures.
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City after winning several major trophies in England. His move to Barcelona represents a return to Spain and provides an opportunity to revive his career at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
