Mikel Arteta favourite aims dig at Arsenal after summer move

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Gabriel Jesus has aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal following his €10 million move to Barcelona on Transfer Deadline Day.

The Brazil striker had looked set to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the 2026-27 season, despite significant rumours of an exit, but Barca swooped with a late bid following their failure to sign Julian Alvarez and a deal was soon struck.

Current ETV

Gabriel Jesus

F (C)

Barcelona

Gabriel Jesus

F (C)

Barcelona

€15.6M

ETV Range

€14M - €17.1M

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Jesus was excluded from Arsenal’s first three matchday squads of the new campaign before his move to Camp Nou, despite featuring prominently during pre-season, and Barcelona sensed an opportunity to agree a cut-price deal amid their pursuit of a new centre forward.

Following the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire on a Bosman deal and the sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain, Hansi Flick’s side were left short in attack and they opted to bring Jesus to the club despite his recent injury problems.

The Brazilian made his first appearance for Barcelona during their 5-0 win over Valencia on Saturday, before netting his first goal for the club in a 5-1 victory over Eredivisie giants Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the game, the 29-year-old told SportyTV (via The Standard): “The truth is I was training, I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal [as] normal and then obviously I knew already that probably I will not play there or get some opportunity. But no-one told me nothing.

“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.

“I was training and doing my maximum to be ready if I have the chance to play in a high level again and then obviously in the last week it was very quick.”

When asked about his move to Barcelona, Jesus added: “The work with Deco, and the president of the club, and my agent was amazing.

“In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come [to Barcelona]. I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here.”

Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus departure

Meanwhile, when asked about his decision to sanction the sale of Jesus to Barcelona, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters: “He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club.

“I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that's really helped achieve what happened next. And now, yeah, he has an amazing opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a beautiful place to live as well, and we are happy for him.”

Jesus scored 32 goals in 123 games during a four-year spell at Arsenal and despite an injury-hit end to his career in north London, he played a small role as they secured the Premier League title last year.