Gabriel Jesus signed for Barcelona from Arsenal for 10 million euros after a difficult end to his time in north London, which included being forced to train away from his teammates, according to recent media reports. The 29-year-old Brazilian forward made his debut for the Spanish club last Sunday, playing the final ten minutes of a 5-0 win over Valencia in LaLiga, after a deadline-day transfer sealed following the collapse of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez’s move to the Blaugrana.
Gabriel Jesus Details Abrupt Arsenal Training Isolation
However, the forward revealed that his final days at the club turned difficult when he was suddenly separated from the main squad.
“The truth is that I was training. I went through the entire pre-season preparation with Arsenal, as usual,” Jesus told Mundo Deportivo. “Obviously I knew beforehand that I probably wouldn’t play there or that I wouldn’t get many opportunities, but nobody told me that.”
“I am a professional player, as you know, so I kept training with the group,” Jesus added, detailing the shift in his status. “Then suddenly, they put me to train on my own. I kept training and gave my best to be ready in case I got the chance to play at the highest level again.”
Daily Mail reporting noted that Jesus was left out of the Arsenal squad for their first two matches of the season with the expectation that he would leave. The forward had featured in all four of Arsenal’s official pre-season matches with limited game time. His four-year spell with the Gunners, which began when he joined from Manchester City in 2022, yielded 32 goals and 22 assists across 123 total appearances.
Did you know? Gabriel Jesus missed most of 2025 with a cruciate ligament tear, but was part of the Gunners squad that eventually ended the club’s long wait for a Premier League title under manager Mikel Arteta.
Deco and Barcelona Seal Cut-Price Deadline Move
The transfer materialized quickly in the final week of the summer window, resulting in a cut-price fee reported as 10 million euros by Mundo Deportivo and £8.6 million by the Daily Mail. Jesus credited Barcelona sporting director Deco for making the deal happen rapidly.
“The work with Deco, and the president of the club, and my agent was amazing,” Jesus told SportyTV, as reported by the Daily Mail. “In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come. I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here.”
Mundo Deportivo reported that Jesus praised Deco directly for helping fulfill his ambition of representing the Catalan club. The deal was finalized as Barcelona sought attacking reinforcements after a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez broke down.
Despite playing a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta—particularly following his ligament injury—Arsenal manager Arteta praised the Brazilian’s impact upon his exit. “He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,” Arteta said earlier this month, as cited by the Daily Mail. “I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that’s really helped achieve what happened next.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Gabriel Jesus join Barcelona?
Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona on transfer deadline day at the end of the summer transfer window, completing a move from Arsenal.
How much did Gabriel Jesus cost Barcelona?
Barcelona secured the forward for 10 million euros (£8.6 million) after the deal was finalized following the breakdown of Julian Alvarez’s proposed transfer.
When did Gabriel Jesus make his Barcelona debut?
Jesus made his debut for the Spanish club on Sunday, appearing as a substitute for the final ten minutes of a 5-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia at the Mestalla.
How many goals did Gabriel Jesus score for Arsenal?
During his four-year spell with Arsenal following his arrival from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus scored 32 goals in 123 appearances.
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