Barcelona close in on Gabriel Jesus as surprise Lewandowski replacement

Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of signing Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus in a surprise late move before the transfer deadline. 

According to reports, the Catalan club have reached an agreement with the Brazilian, with his medical expected on Monday. 

The 29-year-old is said to have been offered a two-year contract by Barcelona, with an option for an additional season. 

The Spanish giants are reportedly set to pay Arsenal an initial €10 million, with further performance-related bonuses that could increase the deal’s value. 

Jesus would arrive as part of a major reshaping of Barcelona’s attack following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. 

Marcus Rashford has also left the club, while Barcelona have strengthened their forward line with the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. 

The Brazilian could provide an alternative to, or potentially play alongside, Barcelona’s preferred attacking target, Julian Alvarez. 

However, negotiations for Alvarez remain difficult because Atletico Madrid are reportedly unwilling to sell their star striker to a direct domestic rival. 

For Arsenal, the proposed transfer would also represent a favorable opportunity to cash in on a player whose contract expires next year. 

Jesus has gradually fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates, and Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sanction his departure rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer. 

Barcelona’s main concern will be Jesus’ fitness record. The experienced forward has endured several injury problems during his time in England, which have disrupted his consistency and limited his availability. 

The Catalan club will hope that a move to Spain can help him regain his best form while providing valuable competition and depth in their rebuilt attack. 

Barcelona will host Rayo Vallecano on Monday in their fourth La Liga fixture of the new season after Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club.