As of August 31 (CET), multiple media reports indicate that Barcelona is close to signing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. Previously, The Athletic's Barcelona correspondent Laia Cervelló Herrero reported that signing Jesus does not mean Barcelona has given up on the possibility of acquiring Alvarez.

Currently, the two clubs are in advanced negotiations over a transfer deal worth approximately €10 million (around £8.5 million / $11.6 million). Barcelona views the signing of Jesus as a market opportunity not to be missed. Following the departures of Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona is looking to strengthen their attack, and coach Flick is optimistic about the 29-year-old Brazilian striker.

Barcelona has stated that recruiting Jesus does not mean they will abandon their pursuit of Alvarez from Atlético Madrid, and they still plan to complete this deal before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. Additionally, Arsenal is also keen on the Argentine striker.

Atlético Madrid has repeatedly and firmly stated recently that they will not sell the Argentine international to Barcelona. In July, Atlético Madrid filed a complaint with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding alleged improper contact by Barcelona with Alvarez, accusing Barcelona of breaching inter-club ethical guidelines. Barcelona stated that they received notification from the RFEF at the end of July, and the Spanish Football Federation has now launched an internal investigation.

Meanwhile, Jesus was not included in Arsenal's 20-man Community Shield squad led by Arteta (which Arsenal ultimately won 3-0 against Manchester City) and did not appear in their opening Premier League victory 3-0 over Coventry.

According to The Athletic's May report, Arsenal's asking price for Jesus this summer was £20 million (approximately $26.8 million). During this period, several clubs inquired about recruiting Jesus, with Arsenal seeking between £18 million (approximately $24.1 million) and £20 million. Jesus's contract with Arsenal expires next summer.

Last season, Jesus made 27 appearances for the team, scoring 6 goals, but only made 3 Premier League starts, as Havertz and Gyökeres were the team's preferred strikers. Additionally, he missed the first three months of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.

Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, the player has made 123 appearances for the Premier League champions, contributing 32 goals and 22 assists.

In December last year, Jesus expressed a desire to return to his Brazilian club in the future, but he also stated at the time that he wanted to stay in North London. "I feel there is unfinished business at Arsenal," he said. "I do not want to leave."

Jesus's Departure Leaves Arsenal's Attack Thinner

Arsenal reporter James McNicholas analyzes

When Jesus joined Arsenal in 2022, Arteta called him someone who would "transform our world." This mobile, pressing, and tactically flexible center-forward was exactly what the Arsenal coach was looking for.

Unfortunately, this excellent form did not continue. A knee injury sustained during the World Cup in December 2022 disrupted Jesus's rhythm at Arsenal. He never fully recovered to his peak form afterward, and the anterior cruciate ligament tear in January 2025 made matters worse.

As one of the club's highest-paid players, Arsenal hopes to offload Jesus. It is no surprise that they must accept offers far below the initial £20 million asking price at the start of the summer transfer window: for a player with a significant injury history and high wages, the original asking price was clearly unrealistic.

Jesus's departure, coupled with fellow Brazilian Martinelli's imminent move to Al-Nassr, means Arsenal's attacking depth is lower than Arteta anticipated. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can strengthen their attack in the remaining time before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.

Barcelona Finally Lands a Striker

Barcelona reporter Laia Cervelló Herrero analyzes

Barcelona has finally acquired the number 9 they wanted – though not the Alvarez they so desperately desired.

Previously, Barcelona had declared "no one but Alvarez," while Atlético Madrid's position was equally clear: they will never sell Alvarez to Barcelona.

Coach Flick wanted an experienced player. After searching the transfer market, they found no suitable targets or the return on investment was too low. Recruiting Jesus actually makes sense, as Barcelona was nearly ready to give up on signing a recognized striker and had developed alternative plans, preparing to deploy Raphinha and Anthony Gordon as temporary number 9s. However, neither is naturally suited to the position in the way Jesus is.

Jesus will join at a low price and play a backup role, but he can be effective when the team needs an experienced forward in the attacking line. This is clearly not a long-term investment, but it can solve an immediate problem this season when the team lacks a specialist number 9. At the same time, Barcelona still waits for an opportunity to take a big gamble on Alvarez – coincidentally, the club still insists they can recruit this player this summer. This seems unlikely, but then again, who would have thought Rodri would choose Barcelona over Real Madrid?

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