Gabriel Jesus has arrived in Spain to undergo a Barcelona medical as the Brazilian closes in on an £8.6 million move from Arsenal.
Barcelona have agreed a deal in principle with the Premier League champions worth €10m (£8.6m), with the remaining formalities now being completed ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Jesus was pictured arriving at Barcelona-El Prat Airport on Monday afternoon.
The 29-year-old is expected to undergo medical tests before finalising personal terms and completing his permanent departure from Arsenal.
Jesus delivers positive knee update
Jesus immediately addressed questions about his fitness after arriving in Barcelona, following the serious knee problems that have disrupted his Arsenal career.
“The knee is perfect,” Jesus told reporters at the airport, before adding that he wanted to score plenty of goals.
The striker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup in January 2025, keeping him sidelined for around 11 months.
He returned to action in December and has avoided further injury problems since then, although he has fallen down Mikel Arteta’s attacking pecking order.
Jesus has not been included in Arsenal’s matchday squads at the start of the new season. Arteta previously insisted his absence was related to squad numbers rather than his physical condition.
Arsenal accept major loss on £45m signing
Arsenal’s willingness to accept £8.6m represents a substantial reduction on the £45m they paid Manchester City for Jesus in 2022.
The Brazil international has scored 32 goals in 123 appearances for the Gunners but managed only three Premier League starts last season.
His current Arsenal contract is entering its final year, weakening the club’s negotiating position.
The Gunners had reportedly valued Jesus at around £20m earlier this summer when Napoli were among the clubs interested in signing him, but lowered their demands as the transfer deadline approached.
The Guardian reports that Jesus is one of three players Arsenal have agreed to sell, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Fábio Vieira, with the trio potentially generating more than £70m combined.
Barcelona move separate from Alvarez pursuit
Barcelona’s move for Jesus emerged rapidly over the weekend.
Sky Sports reports that the deal is being treated separately from the Spanish champions’ pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, meaning Jesus’ arrival does not necessarily end their interest in the Argentina international.
Barcelona had been searching for another centre-forward, with sporting director Deco working to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad.
For Jesus, the transfer offers an opportunity to relaunch his career after injuries and increased competition significantly reduced his role at Arsenal.
The deal has not yet been formally announced by either club. However, with an agreement in principle reached, Jesus now in Barcelona and his medical taking place, the transfer is moving towards completion.
