Surprise transfer! Barcelona are apparently signing a prominent replacement for Robert Lewandowski for a bargain price

Barcelona make a surprise move for Arsenal shortly before the transfer deadline: according to information from Fabrizio Romano and Mundo Deportivo, Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of a move to the Catalans.

The obligatory medical is due to be completed as early as tomorrow, Monday. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 29-year-old Brazilian has been offered a two-year contract by the Catalans, with the option of a further year. According to transfer journalist Romano, the club will pay Arsenal a base fee of around €10 million plus performance-related bonuses.

How long did Gabriel Jesus have left on his contract at Arsenal?

For both parties, the move comes at a favourable time. At the Gunners, Jesus had increasingly lost influence in recent months. With his contract in London expiring next year, the Premier League club were open to a deal in the closing stages of the transfer window to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

One major risk in the deal is the striker's physical condition. The Brazilian, otherwise usually a very lively player, was repeatedly held back during his past seasons at Arsenal by recurring injury layoffs. At Barcelona, the experienced player is now expected to rediscover his former stability and immediately increase competition for places in attack.