Barcelona are reportedly closing in on a cut-price deal for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazil international potentially set for a late move to Camp Nou. The proposed transfer is said to be worth around £8.6 million, with Jesus having agreed personal terms on a two-year contract. The 29-year-old has found his opportunities at Arsenal increasingly limited after the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, while the club are also pursuing a major move for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. Jesus was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their opening fixtures and has been training away from the first-team group, increasing speculation over his future.
A move to Barcelona would give Jesus an opportunity to revive his career at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. He joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and initially became an important part of Mikel Arteta’s attack, but injuries, including a serious knee problem, have disrupted his progress. Barcelona’s interest comes as they reshape their forward line, with the club reportedly viewing Jesus as an affordable option. The proposed fee would make the transfer a relatively low-cost gamble for the Catalan side, while Arsenal could free up space in their squad and wage bill. However, the deal is reportedly not yet finalised, with the transfer window deadline approaching.
Barcelona hijack Napoli’s pursuit to seal cut-price Gabriel Jesus deal: Reports
Barcelona’s reported move for Gabriel Jesus has left Napoli frustrated, with the Italian club having been strongly linked with the Arsenal forward throughout the summer. Napoli, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, were looking to strengthen their attacking options and had reportedly identified Jesus as a potential addition. Interest in the Brazil international intensified after his agent, who also represents Allegri, was reportedly spotted at Napoli’s pre-season training camp. Although the agent initially said his visit was to meet Allegri, speculation continued to grow that Napoli were seriously pursuing the former Manchester City forward.
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However, Barcelona have now reportedly moved ahead of Napoli and hijacked the deal, leaving the Serie A side needing to explore alternative options for their attack. Jesus’ potential move to Camp Nou would mark another major development in his career after his spells with Manchester City and Arsenal. For Napoli, missing out on the 28-year-old would be a setback after their efforts to bring him to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Allegri’s side will now have to assess the market and identify another forward capable of strengthening their squad. Barcelona’s reported intervention has therefore changed the situation significantly, with Napoli facing the prospect of watching their long-standing target move to Spain instead.
