Barcelona close to deal for Arsenal's Jesus
Barcelona are on the verge of securing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus in a transfer valued at roughly £8.6 million (about €10 million), with the deal expected to be finalized before the Tuesday deadline. The 29‑year‑old Brazil international, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and recorded 32 goals and 22 assists in 123 appearances, will travel to Barcelona for a medical on Monday. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Jesus was absent from training ahead of the Premier League match against Aston Villa, suggesting personal circumstances were driving the move, and Napoli’s earlier interest has faded as the Catalan club prepares to add him to a squad that already includes Premier League acquisitions Anthony Gordon and Rodri.
The transfer marks Barcelona’s third Premier League signing this summer, reinforcing a strategy of bolstering the attacking line after a season that saw them reclaim the La Liga title. Jesus’s arrival follows Barcelona’s aborted pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, another Arsenal target, after Atletico refused to negotiate. By securing Jesus, Barcelona aim to replace departing forwards and add depth ahead of a congested schedule, while Arsenal are left to adjust their attacking options without one of their most productive forwards from the previous two campaigns.
If the medical is completed successfully, Jesus will join a Barcelona side seeking to compete on multiple fronts, with his experience in the Premier League expected to enhance their offensive versatility. Arsenal will need to address the gap left by his departure as they approach the latter stages of the domestic season, while Napoli’s earlier interest indicates the player remained a coveted asset across Europe. The move also underscores the broader trend of top Spanish clubs tapping the English market for proven talent this transfer window.
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