Barcelona appear poised to complete yet another unexpected signing, having reportedly reached an agreement with Arsenal to acquire forward Gabriel Jesus.
The Catalan club has been searching for a new frontman throughout the transfer window, initially prioritizing Julian Alvarez. Nonetheless, Atletico Madrid firmly refused to sanction a move to their La Liga rivals, prompting Barcelona to explore other options.
Alvarez returned to practice with Atletico on Sunday, with media outlets suggesting he has resigned himself to his current situation and understands he must remain under Diego Simeone’s management for now.
In the meantime, Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona have wrapped up negotiations for Jesus in a transfer worth €10m plus performance-related bonuses. The Brazilian attacker is now scheduled to undergo medical tests with the Blaugrana.
Speculation about Jesus’s departure intensified after he slipped below Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the selection hierarchy at Arsenal.
When questioned this week regarding the prospects of both Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, manager Mikel Arteta suggested that both forwards might depart the club.
“It is bound to happen; eventually, you have to hold specific conversations and convey messages that can be difficult to deliver,” he explained to journalists.
“I believe everyone understands and appreciates our deep affection for Gabi (Martinelli). Regardless of the final decision, it will only happen with the consensus of all parties involved.”
Having already pulled off shocking acquisitions of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi earlier this summer, Barcelona now appear ready to create another major stir by finalizing the capture of Jesus.
