Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, has expressed his astonishment at Gabriel Jesus’s comments regarding his exit from the club after the striker’s move to Barcelona. According to Arteta, there was a private conversation with Jesus prior to the Brazilian’s departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Jesus concluded a four-year tenure at Arsenal during the summer transfer window, being transferred to Barcelona for a fee of approximately €10 million. His role at Arsenal had diminished due to the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, which led to his eventual move. In prior statements, Jesus mentioned that he had been participating in all of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations with the first team. However, he later revealed that he was suddenly instructed to train separately, without any clarity regarding his future with the club.
Arteta’s Perspective Ahead of the Sunderland Fixture
As Arteta prepared to face Sunderland in an upcoming Premier League match, he shared his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that the conversation he had with Jesus was filled with gratitude, contrasting with the public narrative that Jesus has provided.
Arteta expressed his surprise at how Jesus recounted his departure from Arsenal. “Honestly, I was quite taken aback,” Arteta admitted. “Especially because my conversation with Gabi took place in a private setting within the changing room. I’m not sure what was said afterwards, but that’s not a concern to me. The words exchanged between us were purely expressions of gratitude.”
This exchange emphasizes how personal discussions may differ significantly from what is eventually communicated to the public. Despite any discrepancies in their accounts, Arteta reiterates the positive feelings he believes were conveyed during their last interaction.
Gabriel Jesus on His Time at Arsenal
After recovering from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2025, Jesus made his debut for Barcelona following the transfer. He participated in Arsenal’s pre-season activities without issues, but faced dwindling chances as Gyokeres established himself as the first-choice striker. Consequently, Jesus found himself omitted from Arsenal’s squad at the start of the new Premier League season.
Addressing his situation during an interview with SportyTV, Jesus acknowledged that he sensed his playing opportunities would be limited. “I was training, participating fully in the pre-season with Arsenal, and I knew that the chances of me playing there were slim,” Jesus shared. “But no one communicated anything to me. I was training with the team, and then all of a sudden, they asked me to train separately.”
Jesus’s transfer marks a significant shift in Arsenal’s attacking lineup. He was not alone in leaving; teammate Gabriel Martinelli also departed for Al-Hilal, while Leandro Trossard made a move to Besiktas. Prior to Barcelona finalizing Jesus’s transfer, multiple clubs, including Napoli, AC Milan, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid, were rumored to be interested in acquiring his services.
Arteta acknowledges the different reactions players might have when faced with unexpected decisions. “When you have to deliver bad news or something that someone isn’t expecting, that kind of reaction is natural,” Arteta noted. “It’s essential for someone to be there to support them. If it’s my responsibility to do so, I’ll gladly assume that role because I understand their perspective.”
As Arsenal moves forward, Arteta must ensure that the team adapts to the new dynamics following significant player departures. With new signings and adjustments in strategy, the focus remains on maintaining competitive performance in the league.
In summary, while Arteta expresses gratitude for his relationship with Jesus, it is clear that changes within the club’s squad require careful management and communication to keep morale high and players aligned with team goals.
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