Arsenal have struck an agreement to seal their next transfer with a medical booked on Monday
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has agreed to join Barcelona, it has been claimed.
The 29-year-old’s future has been uncertain all summer and Mikel Arteta hinted in his pre-Aston Villa press conference on Friday that he is moving closer to leaving the club. Jesus has not been training with the first-team squad and Arteta said that players were dealing with “personal situations”.
But now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are set to sell Jesus to Barcelona for £8.5million. It’s added that the Brazil international has agreed a two-year contract with an option of a further 12 months. Jesus has been given permission to travel to Barcelona to undergo a medical on Monday.
Barcelona is seen as the “dream” destination for Jesus, who has spent the last four years at the Emirates Stadium following his move from Manchester City in 2022. In that time, the former Palmeiras man has scored 32 goals in 123 appearances and helped the Gunners win the Premier League title last season.
However, Jesus has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres both preferred as the No.9. He was left out of the squad to face Manchester City in the Community Shield and was not involved for the Premier League season-opener against Coventry City.
Although Jesus is coming to strengthen Barca’s attack, his move isn’t expected to end the club’s long-standing pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who is still a top target for the Catalan side.
Alvarez, 26, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, after making it clear he wants to leave Atletico. Back in June, the Argentina international expressed his desire to quit Atletico to “fulfil his dream” and admitted the “best thing for everyone is a transfer”.
Despite interest from Arsenal and Barcelona among others. Alvarez is still at Atletico and made his return to action as a second-half substitute during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal at Wanda Metropolitano.
But the ex-Manchester City forward was booed after coming on – and it’s safe to suggest the Atletico supporters do not want to see him feature again following his wish to leave the club.
Alvarez then missed training on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, though his absence was thought to be down to illness. He also didn’t make it back in time to feature against Sevilla on Saturday.