Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a move from Arsenal to Barcelona after the two clubs reached an agreement over a permanent transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano has given the deal his “here we go” confirmation, with Jesus authorised by Arsenal to travel for his medical on Monday.
The Athletic also reports that the clubs are in advanced talks over a package worth around €10 million (£8.5 m; $11.6 m), including add-ons.
Barcelona move quickly for Jesus
The 29-year-old Brazilian is wanted by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick as the Catalan club seek to replenish their attacking options following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
The Athletic reports that Barcelona regard the opportunity to sign Jesus at a relatively low cost as one they could not afford to overlook.
Jesus is expected to arrive as a secondary attacking option rather than the club’s primary long-term solution.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is also continuing, despite Atletico repeatedly making clear they do not want to sell the Argentina international to the Catalan club.
Barcelona have until Tuesday’s transfer deadline to attempt to resolve that situation.
Arsenal accept significant reduction
The transfer represents a considerable reduction on Arsenal’s original valuation.
The Athletic reported in May that the Gunners could demand up to £20m, with interested clubs subsequently being quoted between £18m and £20m.
Jesus’ contract at Arsenal expires next summer, while his recent injury history and limited involvement last season have affected his market value.
He made 27 appearances last campaign, scoring six goals, but started only three Premier League matches as Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were preferred.
Jesus also missed the first three months of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.
Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, he has made 123 appearances, contributing 32 goals and 22 assists.
Arsenal now face attacking dilemma
Jesus’ departure comes alongside Gabriel Martinelli’s impending move to Al Hilal, leaving Arsenal with two fewer senior attacking options.
The Athletic’s Arsenal writer James McNicholas noted that Jesus had initially been regarded as a transformative signing by Mikel Arteta, but injuries prevented him from consistently reproducing his early Arsenal form.
Arteta once said Jesus “changed our world”, but the Brazilian subsequently endured a series of serious injuries, including an ACL rupture.
The former Manchester City forward had also previously expressed a desire to remain at Arsenal, saying last December: “I feel that I have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don’t want to leave.”
His departure now appears imminent.
Barcelona still want Alvarez
The Athletic’s Barcelona correspondent Laia Carvello Herrero reports that Jesus provides Flick with the experienced No.9 the squad currently lacks.
The Brazilian can offer a natural central option, unlike players such as Raphinha or Anthony Gordon, who can fill the role but are not specialist strikers.
However, Barcelona’s ambitions remain focused on Alvarez.
Atlético have publicly closed the door on a deal with Barcelona, while the Catalan club continues to explore its options before the deadline.
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For Arsenal, the immediate consequence is equally significant. With Jesus and Martinelli both leaving, Arteta’s attacking depth has been reduced just as the Premier League and Champions League campaigns begin.
The remaining days of the transfer window will determine whether Arsenal respond by adding another forward.