Barcelona close to deal for Arsenal's Jesus

Gabriel JesusImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Gabriel Jesus was not in the squad for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry

BySami MokbelSenior football correspondentandElizabeth ConwaySpanish football reporter
  • Published

Barcelona are closing in on a move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus worth £8.6m (10m euros).

A deal for the Brazil international is believed to be at an advanced stage and, while the finer details still require finalising, the transfer is expected to be completed before Tuesday's deadline.

Napoli had shown an interest in Jesus, but the 29-year-old is set to join last season's Spanish league champions and will travel for a medical on Monday.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, scoring 32 goals and adding 22 assists in 123 appearances for the Gunners.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jesus was not training with the squad before Monday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (20:00 BST).

When asked whether that meant Jesus was leaving, Arteta said: "Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it's clear."

Jesus would be Barcelona's third signing from a Premier League club this summer, following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Rodri from Manchester City.

Earlier this week, Barcelona's pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez - also an Arsenal target - appeared to end as sources told BBC Sport that Atletico would not negotiate with their Spanish rivals.