Barcelona agree shock deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal - Fabrizio Romano

Updated: 30 Aug 2026 14:31 BST | 5 min read

Gabriel Jesus - Barcelona, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

Make us your Google favourite

Barcelona have agreed a shock deal with Arsenal to sign Gabriel Jesus for €10million (£8.57m) plus add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Article continues under the video

Romano understands Jesus will undergo a medical with the La Liga champions on Monday ahead of signing a two-year contract with the option to extend by a further year.

The surprise news could have a major impact on the future of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who is the dream signing of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Premier League champions Arsenal have chased Alvarez all summer but the Argentina international is believed to prefer a move to Barcelona.

However, Atletico Madrid insist they will not do business with their Spanish counterparts, accusing them of a “lack of ethics” in pursuit of Alvarez.

Spanish publication SPORT previously reported that Barcelona were prepared to wait for Alvarez and had no intention of signing an alternative forward.

But it appears the Blaugrana have had a change of heart after reaching an agreement to sign Brazil international Jesus from Arsenal.

Jesus has slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal

The 29-year-old joined the Gunners from Manchester City for a reported €52.5m (£45m) in July 2022, signing a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

STATS

Gabriel

D (C)

Arsenal

Gabriel

D (C)

Arsenal

51

Games
4

Goals
5

Assists

Jesus has recorded 32 goals and 22 assists in 123 appearances for Arsenal, helping the club win their first Premier League title for 22 years last season.

However, he is currently behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in the Arsenal pecking order and has subsequently been linked with a move away this summer.

Arsenal have been looking to make a marquee signing all summer, with Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers among their previous targets.

© IMAGO - Vinicius Junior (left) and Morgan Rogers (right)

Arteta’s side have also been credited with an interest in Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz but Alvarez is thought to be their primary target.

Arsenal ready to pounce if Alvarez expresses desire to join

BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel understands Arsenal are ready to make their move for the 26-year-old, should he signal he is willing to move to England.

Atletico director Mateu Alemany reportedly met Arsenal counterparts last week and said his club would want €150m (£129m) to part ways with Alvarez.

Alvarez has developed a reputation as one of the most complete forwards in Europe since joining Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024.

Stop that, Julián Alvarez 🥵

A special free kick to put Atletico 1-0 up 🤩

📺 Stream with TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/TgrPZzPQ4Y
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2026

He has registered 49 goals and 17 assists in 107 games for Diego Simeone’s side, though he is yet to win a trophy at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Alvarez has also netted 15 times across 59 caps for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup at Qatar 2022. He also helped them reach this summer’s showpiece in North America.

The attacker is contracted to Atletico until 2030 and has a release clause worth a staggering €500m (£427.4m).

Julián Alvarez doesn't get the warmest of welcomes as he's introduced off the bench 😬

Atleti fans can be heard whistling at the Argentine as he makes his way onto the pitch 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pzn4cVH4h0
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 23, 2026

He was heavily jeered after making his return for Atletico in last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, having not apologised for saying he wanted to "fulfil my dream" by leaving the club in June.