Gabriel Jesus Reveals Arsenal Training Snub Before Barcelona Move

Gabriel Jesus has revealed that Arsenal unexpectedly separated him from the rest of the squad shortly before his £8.6 million transfer to Barcelona was completed on deadline day.

According to Ireporter Online, the Brazilian forward was left out of Arsenal’s squads for the opening two matches of the season as uncertainty surrounding his future at the club increased.

Jesus eventually completed his move to Barcelona, bringing an end to his four-year spell with the Gunners.

Speaking to SportyTV, the former Arsenal forward said he had participated normally in the club’s pre-season programme before being instructed to train separately from his teammates.

Jesus said he had already suspected that he would struggle for playing opportunities but claimed that nobody explained why he was suddenly removed from group training.

“The truth is I was training; I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal normally, and then obviously I already knew that probably I would not play there or get some opportunity,” he said.

“But no one told me anything. 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.”

The striker added that he continued working hard to remain fit and prepared for another opportunity, while negotiations over his Barcelona move progressed rapidly.

According to Jesus, discussions involving Barcelona officials, Deco and his agent resulted in the transfer being agreed within a short period.

He said he immediately accepted the opportunity to join Barcelona and expressed his happiness at starting a new chapter with the Spanish giants.

Jesus featured in all four of Arsenal’s official pre-season matches before leaving the club, although his playing time was limited.

The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 after five seasons with the Premier League club. Despite making important contributions, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter under manager Mikel Arteta.

A cruciate ligament injury kept him out for a significant portion of 2025, although he later returned and played a part in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign.

Jesus made 123 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists during his time at the club.

Arteta praised the Brazilian following confirmation of his departure, crediting him with helping to transform the atmosphere around the team after his arrival.

“He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,” Arteta said.

The Arsenal manager added that Jesus had brought belief and a positive aura to the club and wished him well at Barcelona.

Jesus has since made his debut for Barcelona, coming off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the club’s 5-0 La Liga victory over Valencia on Sunday.