Gabriel Jesus has completed a move from Arsenal to Barcelona, signing a three-year contract in a deal worth up to £12.85million. The Brazilian has admitted he is not bothered about being the Catalan club's second choice after Julian Alvarez.
Jesus opens up on Barcelona unveiling
Jesus entered the final year of his Arsenal contract and was told by Mikel Arteta that he did not feature in his plans for the 2026/27 season. He was frozen out of the first-team set-up along with Gabriel Martinelli.
Barcelona had wanted to sign Alvarez instead, but Atletico Madrid released a statement publicly stating they would not do business with their La Liga rivals after growing irritated by their interest. Jesus rejected a move to Napoli, and his decision led to a transfer to Barcelona.
"A week ago I received a message that it could happen," he said at his unveiling. "When I started to think it was a real possibility, I was so excited. Now I can't wait to start training and playing."
Jesus on being Plan B and his Arsenal exit
"It doesn't annoy me [being Plan B to Alvarez], it doesn't bother me. What annoys me is if people say I'm a bad guy, which has never happened in my life - or if I am not playing football, that bothers me," Jesus said.
"I have the chance to play for Barcelona, a chance I had 10 years ago and now life has offered me that opportunity again."
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £45million. He slipped behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the pecking order and leaves having scored 32 goals in 123 appearances for the Gunners.
Jesus ready to hit the ground running
"I took a significant salary drop, but it's a dream to be here," Jesus added. "But it wasn't just me who had to make an effort to get the transfer over line, Barca also played their part. If you had asked me one month ago, I would have said it was unlikely this would happen. At 29, I didn't think I would have the chance to come to Barca."
The 29-year-old made 27 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season after recovering from a cruciate ligament knee injury. He is expected to provide cover for Robert Lewandowski in Hansi Flick's side.
"The last two years have been really complicated after the knee injury," Jesus said. "I was out of the game for almost one year, but it's in the past. I feel good physically now. I recovered well, returned to action for Arsenal and I am 100 per cent ready to play and give my all."
