Gabriel Jesus (foto: Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a move to Barcelona after Arsenal gave the Brazilian permission to travel to Catalonia for a medical on Monday.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Gabriel Jesus is one step away from becoming a Barcelona player. Arsenal have given the 29-year-old striker permission to travel to Catalonia, where he is expected to undergo his medical on Monday.
According to Mundo Deportivo, negotiations between Barcelona and Arsenal have progressed quickly and the entire operation is expected to cost the Catalan club only around €10m. Jesus has reportedly been offered a two-year contract with an option for an additional season.
If there are no complications during the medical examination, Barcelona could complete the transfer shortly afterwards.
Barcelona take advantage of €10m opportunity
The Catalans see Jesus as an attractive market opportunity and an immediate solution following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Hansi Flick had already made it clear that Barcelona needed another central striker, a position sporting director Deco also identified as a priority.
Jesus has fallen the attacking hierarchy at Arsenal, where Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres are ahead of him, opening the door for Barcelona to negotiate a deal at a relatively modest price.
The Brazilian would join an attack that has changed significantly this summer. Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have arrived, while Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford have departed. Rooney Bardghji's serious knee injury has also reduced Flick's attacking options.
Julián Álvarez remains the long-term dream
Jesus' arrival would not end Barcelona's interest in Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez. The Argentine remains a major long-term target, but Atlético have refused to negotiate his departure during the current transfer window.
For now, Barcelona have turned to a considerably cheaper alternative. Jesus is expected in Catalonia on Monday; Arsenal have given the green light and a €10m deal is now close to completion.