Barcelona Near Deal to Sign Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus for €10 Million

Barcelona have moved quickly toward a €10 million deal for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez stalled.

Negotiations between Barcelona and Arsenal are described as “very advanced,” and Jesus could travel to Spain for a medical before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. The final details of the agreement remain under discussion.

The 29-year-old Brazilian has slipped down Arsenal’s striker hierarchy following the arrival and emergence of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres. Arsenal left him out of the squad for the Community Shield win over Manchester City and for the Premier League opener against Coventry City. Manager Mikel Arteta also confirmed that Jesus was not training with the squad ahead of the match against Aston Villa. Asked whether that meant the player was leaving, Arteta said, “Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it’s clear.”

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has made 123 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists. He made 27 appearances in all competitions last season and scored six goals. Before moving to Arsenal, he spent six seasons at City, where he recorded 95 goals in 236 appearances.

Barcelona initially made Alvarez their main target after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Atlético refused to negotiate with Barcelona and accused the club of approaching Alvarez improperly, prompting Barcelona to consider other options at center-forward. Raphinha has played centrally in the team’s first two matches and scored three goals, but coach Hansi Flick wants another specialist striker.

Jesus would offer flexibility across the forward line and in build-up play. His injury history, including a left-knee anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2025 that kept him out for 10 months, remains a concern. Barcelona nevertheless view the move as a relatively inexpensive way to add an experienced forward with Premier League experience, and the transfer would not necessarily end their longer-term interest in Alvarez.

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Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it’s clear.