Barcelona close to deal for Arsenal's Jesus

What the report says

Barcelona are close to agreeing a move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, with BBC Sport reporting that the proposed transfer is valued at about £8.6m (€10m). The deal is said to be at an advanced stage, though some details still need to be completed. If finalized, it is expected to go through before Tuesday’s deadline, and Jesus is due to travel for a medical on Monday.

The 29-year-old Brazil international joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022. BBC Sport says he has made 123 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists. Napoli were also interested in signing him, but Barcelona now appear to be the frontrunners. The move would add another Premier League player to Barcelona’s summer recruitment, following other reported arrivals from English clubs.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added to the transfer speculation by confirming on Thursday that Jesus was not training with the squad before the team’s Premier League match against Aston Villa. When asked directly about a possible departure, Arteta declined to give a detailed explanation, referring only to “personal situations.” The report also notes that Barcelona had recently ended their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, another player linked with Arsenal.

If completed, the transfer would mark a notable shift in Barcelona’s attacking options and further reshape Arsenal’s forward group as the window closes.