Barcelona have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign striker Gabriel Jesus, according to reports. Jesus was left out of Arsenal’s first two games of the new season and has been training away from Mikel Arteta’s first team.
Struggles at the Emirates
Much was expected of Jesus following his £45m move from Manchester City in 2022 given he hit double figures in five successive seasons at the Etihad Stadium and helped Pep Guardiola’s side win four Premier League titles. But Jesus has struggled with form and fitness during his four-year spell at the Emirates Stadium, missing 45 Premier League games over the last two seasons.
Transfer details and next steps
Arsenal spent £64m to sign Viktor Gyokeres last summer and remain interested in signing a new striker this summer. Arteta hinted earlier in the week that Jesus could leave Arsenal, and Barcelona have now agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian on a permanent transfer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Barcelona will pay around 10m euros plus add-ons for Jesus, who is now set to travel to Spain to undergo a medical. Jesus was open to leaving Arsenal given his reduced influence in north London and quickly approved a surprising move to Barca.
The La Liga champions have been linked with several strikers after Robert Lewandowski’s departure but have seemingly given up in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker who ironically is a top target for Arsenal. Atletico reportedly placed Jesus on their list of possible targets should Alvarez secure his desired move away from Madrid.
