Gabriel Jesus’ move from Arsenal to Barcelona is now at the final stages, with the Brazilian already in Spain to get everything wrapped up.
Brazil’s Globo Esporte have now provided some of the details behind the deal. Arsenal are set to receive around €10m (£8.7m) plus bonuses. Jesus, meanwhile, should sign a three-year contract with the Catalan club.
He’s due to undergo his medical and complete the remaining formalities, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday.
Arsenal settle for €10m plus bonuses
That fee is worth a closer look. Earlier this month, we covered claims from Brazil that Arsenal wanted at least £20m (€23m) before they’d even consider a sale. Napoli were interested at the time, but never managed to get a deal over the line.
A lot has changed since then. Jesus has less than a year left on his contract and hasn’t played a competitive minute this season. ESPN Brasil reported last week that he was training separately, with his chances of leaving considered “high”.
With the window about to shut, Arsenal have now agreed to take around half of their previous asking price upfront. Bonuses could push that figure higher.
It’s also a permanent transfer, so the Gunners can finally draw a line under the situation instead of carrying it into the final months of his contract.
Barcelona turned to Jesus after Álvarez setback
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts
during the UEFA Champions League
FC INTERNAZIONALE v ARSENAL FC
at San Siro Stadium.
Hansi Flick has given his approval to the signing. Globo Esporte says the Barcelona manager likes the 29-year-old’s versatility. Jesus can play as the central striker or move out to either wing.
He wasn’t necessarily their first route to strengthening the attack. Barcelona had tried to make progress on a deal for Julián Álvarez, but couldn’t get anywhere with Atlético Madrid.
They needed another option after Robert Lewandowski’s departure, and that helped open the door for the Arsenal man.
There’s also been a small change of direction from Jesus himself. Only a few days ago, we covered that his first choice was to stay in English football.
He was open to other countries, including less obvious destinations such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but another Premier League club was the preference. Barcelona clearly proved tempting enough to change those plans.
After almost a decade in England with Manchester City and Arsenal, the Brazilian is now just a medical, some paperwork and a signature away from starting again in Spain.
If everything goes as planned, Barcelona will present him as their new signing on Tuesday.
