Barcelona have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, with the 29-year-old joining the Spanish champions on a contract running until 2029. The move comes after Barcelona’s lengthy pursuit of Julian Alvarez ended without an agreement, with Atletico Madrid unwilling to negotiate the Argentina international’s departure.
“Barcelona and Arsenal have reached a deal for the Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus,” said the Catalan club in a statement.
Spanish media reported that Barcelona paid Arsenal around 10 million euros ($11.5m) for Jesus. The forward arrives at Camp Nou with Barcelona looking to strengthen an attack that lost Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres earlier this summer.
Barcelona had spent much of the transfer
window attempting to sign Alvarez, but Atletico’s refusal to negotiate ultimately forced the club to consider alternatives. Jesus said he was not bothered by being viewed as the second choice.
“I’m not offended,” said Jesus, when asked how he felt to be Barca’s plan B after Alvarez. “I have the chance to be here at Barcelona, I had a chance 10 years ago and life took me in another direction, but now I can be here and it’s a dream for me. I always want to do the best I can, I’m a guy who works hard, I know my qualities, but work I think always pays off.”
Barcelona also announced a late loan move for midfielder Marc Casado, who will spend the remainder of the season with Deportivo La Coruna.
The Catalan giants had been prepared to close the transfer window without another traditional number nine.
Raphinha’s strong start through the middle of the attack, including five goals in three games, had given Hansi Flick another option. But the opportunity to bring Jesus to the club ultimately proved too good to pass up.
“I was a little surprised we had the opportunity to get him,” Hansi Flick told reporters Monday after Barca thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-2 in La Liga, which Jesus watched from the stands at Camp Nou.
“I really love him. I like his style to play football. It fits with our style. I think he can help us a lot in games.
“For us, he can be important, so thanks to (sporting director) Deco because again he made an excellent job.”
Jesus arrives at Barcelona looking to revive his career after a serious knee injury suffered in January 2025 disrupted his time at Arsenal. He had fallen behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
The Brazilian scored 32 goals during four seasons with Arsenal, following an earlier spell at Manchester City in which he scored 95 goals across six years.
“I’ve had a bit of a tough time these past two years, but apart from that, everyone knows my quality,” added Jesus.
“I’m doing very well, very well physically,” he continued. “The knee is no longer a problem. I recovered very well and returned to playing very well with Arsenal. My knee and my body are fine, I’m ready to give my best.”
With AFP Inputs
