Gabriel Jesus joins Barcelona from Arsenal in £8.6m ‘dream’ move

Gabriel Jesus has completed an £8.6m transfer from Arsenal to defending LaLiga champions Barcelona, signing a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2029.

The 29-year-old Brazil international arrived at Arsenal from Manchester City four years ago and scored 32 goals in 123 appearances for the Gunners. However, he made only three league starts last season as Arsenal won the title.

Jesus was presented as a Barcelona player after sealing his move and said the transfer fulfilled a long-held ambition.

“I have strong faith in God and I knew that if I did things well, anything could happen.

“I have always been a guy who respects everyone, so I thought things would turn out well. I was working very hard at Arsenal, separately from the other players of course.

“I kept giving my best because I knew a good thing would happen, and now it’s happened. A week ago, I received the message that it could happen. When I started to think it was a real possibility, it made me very excited, and made me want to be here a lot.

“I have the opportunity now to be here at Barca now. I had the opportunity 10 years ago, but life took me in a different direction. But now, I can be here. It’s a dream for me.”

Jesus said he had maintained his focus while waiting for the opportunity to move to Barcelona, despite working separately from Arsenal’s other players.

He made his senior debut for Brazil and has won 64 international caps, although he has not played for the Selecao since November 2023.

The forward’s move brings an end to his four-year spell at Arsenal, where he had joined after leaving Manchester City. His 123 appearances for the club produced 32 goals, but his opportunities in the league became more limited during the campaign in which Arsenal secured the title.

Jesus said he had first had the possibility of joining Barcelona 10 years ago, but that circumstances led him down a different path before the move finally became possible.

He added that receiving confirmation the transfer could happen a week before its completion made him increasingly eager to join the Spanish champions.

Barcelona’s deal for Jesus is worth £8.6m, with the Brazilian now committed to the club through to the end of June 2029.

More on transfers: Senegal midfielder Pape Matar Sarr joins Juventus from Tottenham on a season-long loan.