Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he accepted a significant pay cut to leave Arsenal for Barcelona this summer, prioritising his desire to join the Catalan club over a higher salary. During his official presentation, the Brazilian forward said the move required a financial sacrifice from him, while Barcelona also made a major effort to complete the deal. “I took a significant pay cut, but it’s a dream to be here at Barcelona,” he said.

Jesus was reportedly earning around £265,000 per week at Arsenal, equivalent to approximately €16.1 million gross per year. Barcelona were unwilling to match those terms and instead agreed a salary that fitted within their existing financial structure. Arsenal also facilitated the transfer, with the deal eventually completed for €10 million plus €4 million in add-ons.

The 29-year-old has now signed a three-year contract with Barcelona worth around €13 million gross per year, meaning he has accepted a reduction of roughly €3 million annually. Despite knowing he may not be a regular starter under Hansi Flick, Jesus was willing to sacrifice financially for the opportunity to play for Barcelona.