Bojan Krkic says Gabriel Jesus is taking the bigger risk in reported Barcelona move

Bojan Krkic, a member of Barcelona’s scouting department, believes a move to the Catalan club would represent an important opportunity for Gabriel Jesus – but says the Arsenal forward is taking the greater risk in the proposed deal.

Spanish media reports have claimed Barcelona have completed an agreement to sign the Brazil international, with only the official announcement still to come. However, the club is also expected to continue discussions with Arsenal to establish whether an agreement can be reached for the striker.

Krkic, who previously watched Jesus closely during his time at Manchester City, believes the forward could revive his career at Barcelona and turn the transfer into a major success for the club.

“I had very high hopes for him, and my reports on him were extremely positive,” Krkic told Spanish newspaper Sport. “I went to watch him twice when he was at Manchester City, at a time when there was talk of him possibly leaving. That was before he moved to Arsenal, and I was not the only person who went to follow him.”

He added: “The person taking the risk here is Gabriel Jesus, not Barcelona to the same extent. He has an opportunity to revive himself and must make the most of it.”

Krkic said Jesus had the qualities required to make an impact in Barcelona’s attack.

“It is a golden opportunity for him,” he said. “He has the right mentality. He is a strong and aggressive player when he plays, he can change speed and he has quality in finishing attacks. Signing him could be a great success for the club.”

Barcelona are understood to view Jesus as a suitable option to occupy the number nine position, particularly following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. The club are targeting an out-and-out striker capable of leading the forward line in the coming period.

The Spanish club are expected to maintain their efforts to determine whether a deal with Arsenal can be concluded for the Brazilian. Napoli previously held talks with Arsenal over a possible move for Jesus earlier this summer, but those negotiations stalled after the English club insisted on a fee of 20m euros.

Jesus earns a salary of approximately 6m euros at Arsenal. He joined the club in 2022 after leaving Manchester City, where he had established himself as an attacking option before moving to north London.

The forward made 14 appearances for Arsenal last season and scored three goals. In total, he has played 123 matches for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists.

For Barcelona, the potential move would offer a chance to add an experienced Brazil international to their attack as they seek a replacement capable of operating centrally. For Jesus, it would represent an opportunity to rebuild his standing and take on a prominent role at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.