Barcelona agree deal to sign Jesus from Arsenal
By Luke Oluoch, August 30, 2026Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a move to Barcelona. The Premier League champion has reached an agreement with the Catalan giants and is set to complete the transfer, subject to passing a medical scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Under the terms of the deal, Arsenal will receive a Ksh1.508 billion initial package plus performance-related add-ons for the permanent transfer.
The player is among several high-profile stars expected to depart the Premier League ahead of deadline day on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The former Manchester City and Palmeiras forward had previously attracted interest from Serie A side Napoli, who contacted the 29-year-old’s camp earlier in the summer regarding a potential move.
Arsenal were only open to a permanent transfer for the forward, who has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in 123 appearances since joining the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022.
In addition to Jesus, both Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri could also leave the Emirates before the window closes, with potential suitors circling around.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s public statements to the contrary, the Gunners are understood to be willing to part ways with Martinelli amid strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Meanwhile, the club is open to entertaining loan offers for Nwaneri, the promising English winger who spent last season on loan at Marseille.
Jesus found playing time hard to come by following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon last summer, while Arteta’s preference for Kai Havertz for the central forward attacking role further limited his chances.
Arteta on Jesus and Martinelli
Speaking on Jesus and Martinelli’s absence during Arsenal’s 3–0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, Arteta attributed the Premier League’s stringent restrictions as a major obstacle to accommodating fully fit players and allowing them to contribute on the pitch.
“It’s really sad not to have their availability. I have been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad; there is no question. Ethan and Marli as well, who have had the whole pre-season with us,” Arteta said.