\n<\/p>\n
It looked as though Barcelona were not planning to sign another striker in the event of failing to capture Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, who continue to make a deal extremely difficult. <\/p>\n
However, the unexpected availability of Gabriel Jesus has changed Barca’s approach. The Brazilian was not initially part of the club’s plans, but the circumstances surrounding his situation at Arsenal<\/a> have opened the door to a move.<\/p>\n Barcelona have taken advantage of the fact that he is no longer as prominent in Arsenal<\/a>‘s squad as he has been, especially with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres now ahead of him in the pecking order. <\/p>\n With Jesus’ Arsenal<\/a> contract running until the summer of 2027, the club are willing to consider his departure for a fee rather than losing him on a free transfer next year.<\/p>\n The main question surrounding the move to Barca is Jesus’ injury history. He has suffered significant knee problems during his time at Arsenal<\/a>. An anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, suffered in January 2025, kept him out for 10 months. <\/p>\n None of these necessarily means Barcelona will abandon their long-term interest in Alvarez.<\/p>\n Following Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres’ departures from the club, Barcelona wanted to add a natural centre-forward to their attacking options. Jesus offers something different from a traditional number nine, with his ability to operate across the front line and contribute to the build-up making him an attractive option for Hansi Flick.<\/p>\n If the deal is completed, Flick will be adding a highly experienced forward to his squad. Jesus made 27 appearances for Arsenal<\/a> last season in all competitions, scoring six goals, while his six-season spell at Manchester City<\/a> produced 236 appearances and 95 goals.<\/p>\n For Barca, the move represents a relatively low-cost opportunity to add experience, versatility and Premier League pedigree to their attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n