After the Álvarez deal became complicated: Barcelona snatch their new striker from Arsenal
A swift solution in the transfer market
Barcelona have moved for one of Arsenal's most prominent players to bolster their options at centre-forward this season.
According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", the Catalans are chasing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus as an alternative through the middle, having failed to land Julian Alvarez amid Atletico Madrid's refusal to sell.
The Brazilian's contract with Arsenal expires in 2027, and Barcelona see him as the man to fill the void left by the departure of Pole Robert Lewandowski.
Jesus has been a bit-part figure for the reigning Premier League champions, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres ahead of him in the pecking order. That, the newspaper says, has pushed him to seek an exit.
Playing for Barcelona has been his dream since his Palmeiras days, the club he left for the Premier League back in 2016. He is now pressing hard to strike a final agreement and pull on the Catalan shirt.
Barcelona have already reviewed his medical condition following the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2025, an injury he recovered from fully.
His goalscoring record leaves little room for doubt. Jesus struck 95 goals in 236 matches for Manchester City between 2016 and 2022 under Pep Guardiola, then added 33 in 123 appearances for Arsenal between 2022 and 2026.
Signing Jesus does not close the door on Alvarez either. Barca's interest in the Atletico Madrid striker remains firmly in place, though any move would have to wait for another transfer window.
Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed as much on his "X" account: "Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. The deal has been sealed."
He added: "The medical has been booked for tomorrow, Monday, and Arsenal will receive a financial package worth 10 million euros, plus add-ons, in exchange for Jesus's permanent move to Barcelona."
Romano concluded: "Gabriel Jesus will travel to undergo the medical, after obtaining permission from Arsenal."
