Barcelona have reportedly agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus for €10 million plus add-ons as the Catalan club make a late push to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes.
The Spanish champions had spent much of the summer searching for another striker, with Atletico Madrid’s Julián Alvarez initially their preferred option.
However, Atletico’s refusal to consider selling Alvarez to Barcelona forced the club to look elsewhere. Alvarez returned to Atletico training on Sunday, amid reports that he has accepted that he will remain with the Madrid side for now.
Barcelona subsequently shifted their focus to Jesus, with transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs. The Arsenal forward is also expected to undergo a medical as the proposed move progresses.
Jesus, 29, has been linked with an exit from Arsenal after losing ground in Mikel Arteta’s attacking hierarchy to Kai Havertz and new signing Viktor Gyökeres.
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The Brazilian arrived at Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has made more than 70 appearances for the club, although a series of injuries have disrupted his spell in north London.
Arteta recently addressed the futures of Jesus and fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, acknowledging that departures could eventually be considered.
“It’s inevitable, at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough,” he told reporters.
“I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi (Martinelli). Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
A transfer to Barcelona could offer Jesus a chance to relaunch his career at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, while giving Hansi Flick an additional option in attack.
Barcelona have already been active in the current transfer window and could now add another high-profile move by bringing the Arsenal forward to Camp Nou.