Barcelona have agreed a shock deal with Arsenal to sign striker Gabriel Jesus on a permanent transfer, according to reports. The Brazilian forward is set to travel to Spain to undergo a medical after being left out of Mikel Arteta's first team for the opening two games of the new season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona will pay around €10m plus add-ons for Jesus. The La Liga champions have been searching for a new striker following Robert Lewandowski's departure and have now seemingly given up on their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who ironically is a top target for Arsenal.
Jesus's Arsenal struggles and Man City pedigree
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City for £45m in 2022, following a spell where he scored double figures in five successive seasons at the Etihad and helped Pep Guardiola's side win four Premier League titles. However, his four-year spell at the Emirates has been hampered by form and fitness issues, with the 28-year-old missing 45 Premier League games over the last two seasons.
Arteta hinted earlier this week that Jesus could leave the club, and the Brazilian was open to the move given his reduced influence in north London. He quickly approved the surprising switch to Barcelona, according to reports.
Arsenal's striker search continues
Arsenal spent £64m to sign Viktor Gyokeres last summer and remain interested in adding another striker before the transfer deadline. The club has also been linked with Julian Alvarez, who has been the subject of a stunning offer from Manchester City, according to recent reports.
Atletico Madrid had reportedly placed Jesus on their list of possible targets should Alvarez secure his desired move away from the Spanish capital. The deal for Jesus to join Barcelona now appears to be progressing, with the player expected to complete his medical in Spain in the coming days.
Barcelona's move for Jesus comes after they were linked with several strikers following Lewandowski's exit. The Catalan club's pursuit of Alvarez appears to have ended, leaving Jesus as their primary option to bolster their attacking line before the transfer window closes.
