Barcelona have confirmed the signing of striker Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.
The Athletic reported on Sunday that Barcelona were closing in on a deal for the 29-year-old forward, with the two clubs in advanced talks over a proposed deal of around €10million (£8.5m; $11.6m).
Sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that potential add-ons worth €4.5m are included in the deal.
Barcelona view Jesus as a market opportunity that they could not pass up, with head coach Hansi Flick keen on the striker, and the La Liga champions seeking to replenish their forward line after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
“It all happened very quickly,” Jesus said at his first Barca press conference. “Everyone knew I’d had two difficult years, but they also knew my qualities and what I can bring to the team. That made things easier. I’m really looking forward to being here; I’m excited.
“The last two years have been very tough following my knee injury. I was out for almost a year. Apart from that, I’m doing very well; I feel great physically; my knee is no longer a problem – that’s in the past. I made a full recovery and returned to play very well for Arsenal. Physically, I’m ready to give my all, just as I’ve always done in my life.”
The Brazil international also said that he had taken a “significant” pay cut to facilitate the move.
Jesus was omitted from Mikel Arteta’s matchday squads for the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and opening-day win against Coventry City. His former Arsenal team-mate and compatriot Gabriel Martinelli is also set to leave the club after a €70million (£60m) agreement was reached with Al Hilal.
Jesus recorded six goals in 27 appearances last season, though he only made three starts in the Premier League, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres preferred as starters. He missed the first three months of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January 2025.
The Athletic reported in May that Arsenal would demand up to £20million ($26.8m) for Jesus this summer. Multiple clubs enquired about the possibility of signing the striker, with Arsenal quoting between £18m ($24.1m) and £20m ($26.8m) to them. His Arsenal contract expires next summer.
Barcelona have been heavily pursuing Atletico Madrid forward this summer, with Arsenal also interested.
Atletico have made it clear in recent days with multiple public statements that they do not wish to sell the Argentine forward to the Catalan club. In July, Atletico reported Barcelona to the Spanish FA (RFEF) over their perceived improper pursuit of Alvarez, with the complaint relating to an alleged breach of ethics between the clubs. Barca said they were notified about the report by the end of July and the RFEF started an internal investigation.
Jesus made 123 appearances for the Premier League champions, scoring 32 goals and 22 assists, since joining from Manchester City in 2022.
Jesus departure leaves Arsenal light in attack
Analysis by Arsenal writer James McNicholas
When Jesus arrived at Arsenal in 2022, Arteta said he “changed our world”. This was the mobile, pressing, flexible centre-forward the Arsenal manager had been looking for.
Sadly, that early form did not sustain. A knee injury sustained in that December’s World Cup derailed Jesus’ Arsenal career. He struggled to hit those heights again, and his issues were compounded by a ruptured ACL in January 2025.
Jesus enjoyed a fast start to life in north London (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
As one of the club’s highest earners, Arsenal have been keen to move Jesus on. They have had to accept a considerable compromise on the £20m asking price they set at the start of the window. That comes as no great surprise: that fee never looked particularly realistic for a player with a history of serious injuries and a hefty salary.
The departure of Jesus — along with his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, set to join Al Hilal — leaves Arsenal looking a little lighter in attack than Arteta would like. It remains to be seen if Arsenal can strengthen their front line in the remaining days between now and the deadline.
Barca finally sign a striker
Analysis by Barcelona correspondent Laia Carvello Herrero
Barcelona already have the piece they wanted, a No 9 — although he is not the player they have truly desired, Alvarez.
The Catalan club had stated that it was Alvarez or no-one, and at Atletico they made it clear that they would never, ever, let him go to Barca.
Flick wanted experience. They looked at the market and found nothing they wanted or could do that would justify the investment. The signing of Jesus makes sense from the perspective that Barca that had already given up on being able to sign a striker. They had back-up plans, with Raphinha and Anthony Gordon able to fulfill that role, but neither is a natural there, unlike Jesus.
Jesus will arrive in a secondary role, at a bargain price, but he will be useful when the team needs an experienced player to lead the line. Obviously, it’s not a long-term investment, but it will serve them for a season when they currently have no specialists in this position.
