**Title: Arsenal Manager Arteta Expresses Surprise Over Gabriel Jesus's Comments on Barcelona Move**
**Date: September 11, 2026**
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly expressed his astonishment at recent comments made by former player Gabriel Jesus regarding his departure to Barcelona. Jesus, who completed his transfer from Arsenal earlier this month after a four-year tenure with the club, has voiced his disappointment over the handling of his exit, claiming he was isolated from the team and left uninformed about his move.
In an interview, Jesus stated that he was unexpectedly separated from the squad and had not been given adequate information prior to his transfer. “Out of nowhere they put me to train apart from the group,” he said, adding, “nobody told me nothing” before he signed with Barcelona.
Arteta responded to these allegations during a press conference, expressing his surprise at Jesus's remarks. He emphasized that he had a personal conversation with the Brazilian striker regarding the transfer, which he believed ended on amicable terms. “Very surprised, to be fair. Especially because with Gabi (Jesus) I had an individual talk in the dressing room,” Arteta noted. He maintained that their discussions were characterized by a tone of gratitude, contradicting Jesus's claims of a lack of communication.
The situation has drawn additional scrutiny, particularly from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who criticized the club's communication practices. Wright expressed discomfort regarding what he perceived as insufficient dialogue between the club and Gabriel Martinelli, another player who recently made a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
In defense of his management style, Arteta pointed to the positive relationships that have persisted with former players, citing Leandro Trossard, who was sold to Besiktas in July. Trossard was present at Arsenal's recent match against Chelsea, illustrating the ongoing camaraderie between the club and its former members. “Sometimes I understand that when you have to deliver bad news, or news that people don’t expect, somebody has to be the bad cop,” Arteta remarked. “If I have to be, I have to be and I understand.”
Arteta emphasized the importance of long-term relationships, suggesting that the true measure of their interactions will be seen in the months to come. He expressed hope that the rapport with Jesus would remain positive, similar to his experiences with other players who have left the club.
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming match against Sunderland, the club continues to navigate the complexities of player transfers and the emotional impact they have on both players and management. Arteta's commitment to maintaining strong relationships with former players remains a focal point of his leadership approach as he seeks to balance the demands of the Premier League with the personal needs of his squad.