Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he was surprised by Gabriel Jesus’ recent comments about his final days at the club before completing his move to Barcelona.
Jesus left Arsenal for the Spanish champions during the summer transfer window after reportedly falling down the pecking order under Arteta. The Brazilian striker has now spoken publicly about how his departure unfolded, claiming he was unexpectedly instructed to train away from the first team shortly before the transfer was completed.
Arteta has now responded to the comments, revealing that he had personally spoken with Jesus about the situation before the striker’s departure.
The Arsenal boss said he was surprised that Jesus chose to speak publicly about the matter, particularly because he believed their private conversation had been respectful and clear.
According to Arteta, difficult decisions are sometimes part of football management, and managers can be forced to deliver news that players do not want to hear.
Arteta also suggested that there was no intention to disrespect Jesus and that their relationship remained positive despite the circumstances surrounding the transfer.
The situation became public after Jesus revealed that he had completed Arsenal’s entire pre-season with the squad before suddenly being separated from the group.
The Brazilian said he already understood that his opportunities at Arsenal were likely to become limited, but claimed he was surprised that nobody directly explained what was happening to him.
Jesus reportedly told SportyTV that he had continued working professionally with the squad before being instructed to train separately.
The revelation created considerable discussion among Arsenal supporters, particularly because Jesus had only recently been part of the squad that helped the club win the Premier League title.
The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and went on to make 123 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists. He also played a role in Arsenal’s successful 2025/26 Premier League campaign, despite spending part of the season dealing with injury problems.
His Arsenal career ultimately ended with a move to Barcelona, with the two clubs reaching an agreement for the forward to join the Catalan giants on a three-year contract running until June 2029.
Jesus has wasted little time making an impression in Spain.
After making his Barcelona debut as a substitute in the club’s 5-0 victory over Valencia, he scored his first goal for the Catalan side in the Champions League against Feyenoord on Wednesday.
Jesus entered the game late and needed only a few minutes to get his name on the scoresheet, flicking Lamine Yamal’s cross beyond Feyenoord goalkeeper Plamen Andreev in the 85th minute to complete Barcelona’s 5-1 victory.
The goal provided an immediate response on the pitch following the controversy surrounding his Arsenal exit.
For Barcelona, Jesus’ arrival has added another attacking option to Hansi Flick’s squad following the departure of Robert Lewandowski and the club’s failure to secure a deal for Julian Alvarez.
For Arsenal, meanwhile, Arteta has moved on quickly, with the club currently enjoying a strong start to the new season.
The Gunners opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Napoli on Wednesday, with Martin Odegaard scoring the decisive goal in the 75th minute. Arsenal had also won their opening three Premier League matches before the European trip.
Arteta’s focus is now firmly on maintaining Arsenal’s title challenge, but his comments about Jesus show that the Brazilian’s departure has left behind a story that may continue to generate discussion.
Despite the public disagreement over how the final days unfolded, Arteta indicated that there was no lasting bitterness between the two parties.
Jesus, meanwhile, has the opportunity to write a new chapter at Barcelona, and his early goal in the Champions League will only increase expectations surrounding his move.
The Brazilian’s departure from Arsenal may have ended on an uncomfortable note, but his immediate response in Barcelona suggests he is determined to make the most of his fresh start.
