As of 31 August (CEST), multiple media outlets report that Barcelona is close to signing Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. According to Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic's Barcelona correspondent, signing Jesus does not mean Barcelona has abandoned the possibility of acquiring Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez.

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

Barcelona has stated that signing Jesus does not mean they are abandoning their pursuit of Atlético Madrid's Álvarez, and they will continue trying to complete that deal before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. Arsenal is also interested in the Argentine forward.

Atlético Madrid has repeatedly and publicly stated in recent days that they are firmly refusing to sell Álvarez to Barcelona. In July, Atlético Madrid filed a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) against Barcelona, alleging improper contact with Álvarez and violations of ethical principles between clubs. Barcelona stated they received notification from the RFEF at the end of July, and the federation has since opened an internal investigation.

Meanwhile, Jesus was not included in Arteta's 20-man squad for the Community Shield (which Arsenal ultimately won 3-0 against Manchester City), nor did he play in Arsenal's opening Premier League 3-0 victory over Coventry.

According to an Athletic report from May, Arsenal's asking price for Jesus this summer was £20 million (approximately $26.8 million). During this period, several clubs have inquired about signing Jesus, with Arsenal's asking price ranging from £18 million (approximately $24.1 million) to £20 million. Jesus's contract with Arsenal expires next summer.

Last season, Jesus made 27 appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals, but started only 3 times in the Premier League, as Havertz and Gyokeres became the preferred forwards. Additionally, he missed the first three months of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January.

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

Last December, Jesus expressed a desire to return to a Brazilian club in the future, but also stated he wanted to remain at North London. "I feel there is still unfinished business at Arsenal," he said, "I don't want to leave."

With Jesus's Departure, Arsenal's Attack Faces a Shortage

Arsenal reporter James McNicholas analyzed:

When Jesus joined Arsenal in 2022, Arteta said he had "changed our world." The dynamic, pressing central forward with tactical versatility was exactly the type of player Arsenal's manager was seeking.

Unfortunately, this excellent form did not last. A knee injury during the World Cup period in December 2022 disrupted Jesus's rhythm at Arsenal. He never fully regained his peak form, and an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2025 made matters worse.

As one of the club's highest earners, Arsenal has always hoped to sell Jesus. It is unsurprising they had to accept an offer far below their initial £20 million asking price at the start of the summer transfer window: for a player with a serious injury history and high wages, the initial asking price was simply unrealistic.

With Jesus's departure, along with compatriot Martinelli set to join Al-Nassr, Arsenal's attacking depth falls short of Arteta's expectations. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can strengthen their attack in the remaining time before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.

Barcelona Finally Signs a Striker

Barcelona correspondent Laia Cervelló Herrero analyzed:

Barcelona has finally acquired the number 9 they wanted – although it is not Álvarez, their true preference.

Previously, Barcelona had declared "no signing unless it is Álvarez," and Atlético Madrid's position was equally clear: they would never sell Álvarez to Barcelona.

Manager Flick wanted an experienced player. After searching the transfer market, they either could not find a suitable target or the investment was not efficient enough. Signing Jesus makes sense because Barcelona had essentially given up on signing a recognized, established striker and had developed contingency plans to use Raphinha and Anthony Gordon in a temporary number 9 role, but neither is a natural fit for the position like Jesus is.

Jesus will arrive on a low fee and in a backup role, but he can be effective when the team needs an experienced forward in attack. This is clearly not a long-term investment, but it addresses an immediate need in a season where the team lacks a dedicated number 9. Meanwhile, Barcelona is still holding out hope for Álvarez – notably, the club still insists they can sign him this summer. This seems unlikely, but then again, who would have thought Rodri would choose Barcelona over Real Madrid?

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