Gabriel Jesus reaches final stage of Barcelona move after El Prat arrival

Gabriel Jesus has arrived in Barcelona ahead of a medical that is expected to precede his move from Arsenal to Barcelona, with the Brazilian forward landing at El Prat airport in the early hours of Monday.

The player is due to undergo his medical examinations later on Monday before Barcelona formally confirm the agreement. The transfer was completed in principle over the weekend, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, with the Catalan club agreeing to pay Arsenal an initial €10m for the 28-year-old.

A further €4m is understood to be available in add-ons, while Jesus is set to sign a two-year contract with the option of extending his stay for a third season.

Jesus was approached by reporters after arriving in Barcelona but declined to discuss the move before completing the final stages of the agreement. He offered only a brief response, saying: “I am very happy”.

The former Manchester City forward is expected to attend Barcelona’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano after completing his medical. His formal presentation to the media and the official announcement of the transfer are scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

The agreement represents an opportunity Barcelona did not want to miss in the transfer market, even though Jesus was not the number nine originally identified by head coach Hansi Flick as his preferred target.

Flick had been seeking a centre-forward to strengthen Barcelona’s attacking options, but the circumstances of the proposed deal made Jesus an attractive alternative. The financial terms allow Barcelona to secure the Brazil international for a relatively modest initial fee, while the additional payments and contract structure form part of the arrangement agreed with Arsenal.

For Jesus, the move brings an end to his time with Arsenal and a new stage in his career in Spain. The transfer remains subject to the completion of the medical process and the final signing of his contract, after which Barcelona will be able to present him as their latest addition.

His arrival at El Prat was the first public step in that process. The player did not make any extended statement on reaching the city, choosing instead to wait until the documentation and medical checks had been completed before speaking in greater detail.

Barcelona are expected to confirm the deal on Tuesday, when Jesus will also be introduced to the media. Until then, the club’s agreement with Arsenal remains at the stage immediately before its official announcement.

The move, as reported by Marca, includes €10m in fixed payments and a possible €4m in variables. Jesus will initially commit to Barcelona for two seasons, with the possibility of a further year if the extension clause is activated.