Barcelona are expected to complete the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus this week, with the Brazil international due to arrive in Spain on Monday for a medical examination.
Jesus, 29, is scheduled to reach Barcelona’s private aviation terminal at about 16:00 local time. He will undergo the necessary medical checks before signing a two-year contract with the Catalan club, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona will pay Arsenal 10m euros for the striker, with the agreement also including an option to extend the deal for a further season.
If the medical is completed successfully, Jesus will sign his contract and be officially presented as a Barcelona player on Tuesday.
His arrival is expected to make him the sixth first-team signing made by Barcelona, following Gordon, Adeyemi, Rodri, Cancelo and Livakovic.
The timing of the presentation is influenced by Barcelona’s fixture schedule. The club are due to play Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Monday at 21:30, in a match which forms part of the third round of La Liga.
Jesus’ move is regarded as an important opportunity for Barcelona as they seek to add a recognised central striker to their attack. Head coach Hansi Flick highlighted the need for that position at the end of last season, while sporting director Deco also referred to the requirement on 19 August after the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly.
The Brazilian could help fill the space left by Robert Lewandowski, offering Barcelona another option in the centre-forward role.
Barcelona’s attack has already been reshaped this season following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Those additions came after the departures of Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford.
Jesus would bring further competition and cover to an attacking group that has undergone significant change. His ability to operate as a central striker is seen as particularly valuable as Barcelona look to address the gap identified by Flick and Deco.
The proposed transfer comes with Arsenal agreeing to receive 10m euros for a player who is now expected to continue his career in Spain. Barcelona’s immediate priority is to complete the medical and formalise the contract before presenting Jesus to supporters.
The club’s meeting with Rayo Vallecano will take place before that presentation, meaning Jesus is not expected to be involved in Monday’s match. His first official appearance as a Barcelona player is instead set to follow the completion of the transfer on Tuesday.
