Gabriel Jesus is set to join BarcelonaImago

Sources: Arsenal agree Gabriel Jesus deal that’s well below their asking price

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

31 Aug 2026, 6:30 am

Arsenal have agreed to sell Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona for a fee well below their initial asking price, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners told suitors that they wanted £20million for the 29-year-old before Tuesday's transfer deadline, but he is now finalising a move to the Spanish champions for just £8.6m.

The Brazilian has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and was omitted from Arsenal squads to face both Manchester City and Coventry City this season so far.

Jesus' significant wages had been an issue for the Premier League champions and it is hoped that his sale, among a flurry of other departures, will fund the signing of a new attacker before the deadline.

Fabio Vieira is also set to complete a move to Hamburg, while Gabriel Martinelli is undertaking a medical ahead of a £60m move to Al Hilal.

Arsenal have hoped to capitalise on Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid, but have so far been unsuccessful in their attempts to convince him to return to England.

Gabriel Jesus to make way for new signing

Arsenal fans will hope that their sales would indicate that progress is being made on a new signing before the deadline.

The Gunners' big aim this summer was to add star power to their squad, adding world-class quality if possible.

The signings of Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes have served that purpose, and Christos Tzolis has made a superb start.

However, their remains a vacancy for a world-class attacking talent in the Arsenal front line. Strong attempts were made to sign Vinicius Junior and Alvarez, with a move for the latter still possible before the deadline.

But as it stands, Mikel Arteta will have ended this summer with an attack that boasts fewer numbers than it started with. It remains to be seen whether that will be addressed in the coming hours.

'Atletico would do the deal tomorrow' - Arsenal backed to agree player-exchange deal

Jesus secures 'dream move'

Jesus' move to Barcelona will mark the end of his nine and a half years in the Premier League, with Manchester City and Arsenal.

The forward finally won the Premier League with the Gunners last season, and departs with five of them.

Speaking in 2016 at Palmeiras, before he made the move to Manchester, Jesus said: "To go to Barcelona would be a dream. I am aware of my conditions, I know what my potential is and what I can give.

"I am working really hard. I push myself to the limit to do what I most like doing, which is playing football. I'm really enjoying myself."

10 years later, that dream move has finally become reality and will be confirmed this week.

Gabriel Fernando de Jesus