Photo Credit: Mikel Arteta, head coach of Arsenal F.C., at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy, on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Domenico Cippitelli / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)
Arteta Reacts to Gabriel Jesus’ Barcelona Transfer Complaints
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he was left “very surprised” by Gabriel Jesus’ comments about his departure from the club to Barcelona.

Jesus, who ended his four-year stint at Arsenal in September, had claimed in an interview this week that he was made to train away from the main squad and was not properly informed about his situation before completing his move to Barcelona.

According to the Brazilian striker, “out of nowhere they put me to train apart from the group” and “nobody told me nothing” prior to his switch.

Responding on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland, Arteta insisted he had a private conversation with Jesus and that they parted on good terms.

“Very surprised, to be fair. Especially because with Gabi (Jesus) I had an individual talk in the dressing room,” Arteta said. “I don’t know what words were said; it’s fine. The words that we used were all about gratitude.”

Arteta’s comments come after criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who said he was “uncomfortable” with how the club handled Gabriel Martinelli’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on September 3.

The Arsenal boss, however, defended the club’s relationship with former players, pointing to Leandro Trossard — who joined Besiktas in July — being in the dressing room for Arsenal’s win over Chelsea last weekend as an example of the bond remaining intact.
Source: Punchng.com / AFP