Barcelona are finalizing a deal to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus for £8.6 million (10 million euros). The 29-year-old Brazilian is expected to travel for a medical examination on Monday, with the transfer likely to be completed before the upcoming Tuesday deadline. While Napoli previously expressed interest in the player, he is now set to join the reigning Spanish league champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Thursday that Jesus was absent from training ahead of Monday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. When questioned regarding the striker’s potential exit, Arteta stated: “Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it’s clear.”
Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus has recorded 32 goals and 22 assists across 123 appearances. However, his standing at the club has shifted, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres currently ahead of him in the squad hierarchy. With his contract set to run until 2027, Arsenal opted to secure a transfer fee now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Barcelona’s interest in Jesus emerged after their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez stalled, as Atletico refused to negotiate with their domestic rivals. For Barcelona, the move provides a cost-effective way to add versatility and Premier League experience to their attack following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Manager Hansi Flick values Jesus’ ability to operate across the front line and assist in build-up play.
A significant factor in the transfer is the player’s injury history. Jesus faced a lengthy layoff after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in January 2025, which kept him sidelined for 10 months. Despite this, he made 27 appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring six goals. His career also includes a prolific six-season tenure at Manchester City, where he netted 95 goals in 236 matches.
Jesus is poised to become Barcelona’s third signing from the Premier League this summer, joining previous arrivals Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Rodri from Manchester City.
Simultaneously, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is preparing for a move to Saudi Arabia. The 25-year-old is scheduled to travel on Tuesday for a medical with Al-Hilal. Reports indicate that a deal worth at least £50 million has been agreed upon, as Arteta has deemed the player surplus to his requirements.
Martinelli is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Saudi club. The proposed wages are understood to be significantly higher than his current earnings at Arsenal, which are reported to be £180,000 per week. The report also notes that while the finer details still require finalising, the transfer is expected to be completed before Tuesday’s deadline, a deal for the Brazil international is believed to be at an advanced stage and. The report also notes that 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). The report also notes that who continue to make a deal extremely difficult, it looked as though Barcelona were not planning to sign another striker in the event of failing to capture Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. The report also notes that however, the unexpected availability of Gabriel Jesus has changed Barca’s approach. The report also notes that but the circumstances surrounding his situation at Arsenal have opened the door to a move, the Brazilian was not initially part of the club’s plans. The report also notes that none of these necessarily means Barcelona will abandon their long-term interest in Alvarez.
