Barcelona open talks to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, says Mundo Deportivo

Barcelona have opened negotiations to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus during the current transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan club is discussing a possible deal for the 29-year-old Brazil international, whose contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2027. Barcelona are understood to view Jesus as an alternative option to strengthen their centre-forward position.

Their move for Jesus comes after Atletico Madrid rejected attempts to sign Julian Alvarez. Barcelona had identified the Atletico Madrid striker as a target, but the Spanish club’s unwillingness to let him leave has encouraged the Catalan side to explore other possibilities.

Barcelona regard Jesus as a suitable candidate for the number nine role, particularly following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. The club want to recruit an out-and-out striker capable of leading their attack in the coming period, with Jesus now among the players being considered for that responsibility.

The club is expected to continue its efforts in the coming weeks as it assesses whether an agreement can be reached with Arsenal for the Brazilian forward. No deal has yet been completed, and negotiations remain focused on whether the two clubs can find acceptable terms.

Napoli also held talks with Arsenal earlier this summer over a possible move for Jesus. Those negotiations did not lead to an agreement after Arsenal maintained its demand for a transfer fee of 20m euros.

Jesus earns approximately 6m euros per year at Arsenal. He joined the club in 2022 from Manchester City and has since made 123 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists.

Last season, Jesus played 14 matches for Arsenal and scored three goals. His current deal means the club retains him under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, a factor that will be relevant as Barcelona attempt to determine whether a transfer can be arranged.

Barcelona’s interest is therefore linked to both their need for a recognised central striker and the difficulty of securing their preferred target. With Atletico Madrid refusing to release Julian Alvarez at this stage, Jesus has emerged as an alternative for the role the Catalan club wants to fill.

The coming period is expected to reveal whether Barcelona can make progress in talks with Arsenal. For now, Mundo Deportivo reports that the club has begun its approach for Jesus, while Arsenal’s valuation and the player’s existing contract will form part of the discussions.