Mikel Arteta has addressed Gabriel Jesus’ recent account regarding his departure from Arsenal, firmly rejecting suggestions that the Brazilian forward was left in the dark before completing a deadline day move to Barcelona. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the manager expressed his astonishment at the claims surrounding the final days of the striker’s four-year spell in North London. Arteta maintained that communication between both parties was clear, filled with mutual respect, and finalized through a direct face-to-face conversation.
The transfer, which saw Jesus join the Catalan giants in a deal worth up to €14.5 million, concluded a summer in which his exit had become a priority for the Gunners. Despite a brilliant start to his career in North London, the Brazilian had struggled for form over recent seasons, gradually transitioning from a primary attacking option into a squad player. Following his move to the Nou Camp, Jesus claimed that no one explained his situation to him during the final stages of the transfer window. He stated that despite completing full pre-season preparations with Arsenal as normal, he was separated from the first-team group without warning to train alone before the deal went through.
Arteta was quick to push back against that narrative, revealing that a private conversation took place between the pair inside the dressing room before the transaction was finalized. “Very surprised, to be fair, especially because with Gabby, I had an individual talk in the dressing room,” Arteta said. The Arsenal manager emphasized that the exchange was entirely positive and expressed disbelief at how the situation was later described. “I don’t know what the words were said. It’s fine. And the words that we use for each other, it was all about gratitude.”
The manager also defended the club’s broader handling of player departures amid public criticism, including comments from former forward Ian Wright regarding Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta insisted that his rapport with former squad members remains entirely intact regardless of how their exits unfolded. He reiterated that he maintains a very good relationship with all players who have departed North London during his tenure, emphasizing that transparency and mutual respect have consistently guided his management through every squad transition.
With the transfer window closed and the squad reshaped, Arteta’s focus remains squarely on the pitch as Arsenal prepare for their Saturday night encounter against Sunderland. Jesus was one of several departures prioritized as the club sought to refresh its options after key players failed to deliver sufficient output over preceding campaigns. Now, with the Brazilian beginning a new chapter at Barcelona and Arsenal looking forward, Arteta is determined to keep all attention on performance as his side targets three points at the Stadium of Light.
