The short version
- Barcelona are on the verge of completing an £8.6 million deal for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus before the transfer window closes.
- Jesus leaves North London after falling down the pecking order and suffering a long-term knee injury, with his contract expiring next summer.
- Arsenal simultaneously lose winger Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal in a reported £50 million deal that reflects manager Mikel Arteta’s revised plans.
Barcelona are poised to complete the acquisition of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, marking a significant shift in their summer recruitment strategy. The Spanish champions have reached an advanced stage in negotiations for a fee reported at £8.6 million, or 10 million euros. This transaction is expected to be finalized before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with the Brazilian international scheduled to undergo a medical examination on Monday. The move represents a pivot for Barcelona, who had previously indicated they would not pursue another striker if their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez failed.
The availability of Jesus has altered Barcelona’s approach after Alvarez remained out of reach due to Atletico Madrid’s refusal to negotiate with their domestic rivals. Although Jesus was not initially on Barcelona’s target list, his sudden departure from Arsenal presented an unexpected opportunity. The club has capitalized on his diminished status within Mikel Arteta’s squad, where he now trails Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the attacking hierarchy. This low-cost acquisition allows Barcelona to add a player with substantial Premier League experience without straining their financial constraints.
Jesus’ departure from Arsenal appears inevitable following manager Mikel Arteta’s confirmation that the forward was not training with the squad ahead of their Premier League match against Aston Villa. When pressed on whether this absence signaled an exit, Arteta cited personal situations as the clear indicator. Jesus had already been omitted from the roster for Arsenal’s season opener against Coventry, signaling a definitive break between the player and the club. His contract runs until the summer of 2027, but Arsenal are willing to accept a reduced fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the following year.
The decision to sell Jesus also reflects concerns regarding his injury record. The 29-year-old suffered a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in January 2025, which sidelined him for ten months. This prolonged absence disrupted his rhythm and contributed to his reduced role at the Emirates Stadium. Despite these physical challenges, Barcelona view his versatility as an asset. Unlike a traditional center-forward, Jesus can operate across the front line and contribute to build-up play, offering tactical flexibility for manager Hansi Flick.
Jesus brings a proven track record to Camp Nou, having scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in 123 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Manchester City in 2022. His previous six-season stint at Manchester City yielded 236 appearances and 95 goals, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level. For Barcelona, this signing adds depth and experience to an attack that has seen departures such as Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Jesus becomes their third acquisition from a Premier League club this summer, following Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Rodri from Manchester City.
Simultaneously, Arsenal are managing another major exit involving winger Gabriel Martinelli. The 25-year-old Brazilian is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a medical with Al-Hilal. Reports indicate that a deal worth at least £50 million has been agreed upon, reflecting the significant financial offer from the Middle Eastern club. Al-Hilal is reportedly offering wages substantially higher than Martinelli’s current weekly salary of £180,000 at Arsenal. The player is expected to sign a four-year contract, securing his future in Saudi Arabia.
Arteta has made it clear that Martinelli is no longer part of his long-term plans, facilitating the move despite the player’s previous contributions to the squad. The simultaneous departures of Jesus and Martinelli signal a broader restructuring at Arsenal as the club looks to reshape its attacking options. While Jesus leaves for a modest fee due to injury concerns and contract length, Martinelli commands a premium price, highlighting the differing market values of the two players.
The transfer activity underscores the dynamic nature of the final days before the window closes. Barcelona have successfully navigated the loss of their primary target in Alvarez by securing a viable alternative in Jesus. For Arsenal, the exits represent a clearing of the decks, allowing Arteta to focus on integrating new signings and developing younger talent. The completion of these deals will likely influence both clubs’ strategies for the upcoming season, with Barcelona bolstering their attack and Arsenal moving on from players no longer central to their project.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Barcelona close to deal for Arsenal's Jesus
