Gabriel Jesus set for Barcelona move as Arsenal accept €10m deal

Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a permanent move from Arsenal to Barcelona after arriving in Spain to complete the final stages of his transfer.

According to Globo Esporte, Arsenal are set to receive around €10million (£8.7m) plus bonuses for the Brazilian forward, who is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Catalan giants.

Jesus must now undergo his medical and complete the remaining paperwork, with Barcelona expected to officially announce the 29-year-old on Tuesday.

The final agreement represents a significant reduction from Arsenal's position earlier in the summer.

Reports from Brazil had previously suggested the Gunners wanted at least £20m (€23m) before considering a permanent sale. Napoli showed interest but were unable to complete a deal.

Jesus' circumstances have changed considerably since then.

He has less than a year remaining on his Arsenal contract and has not played a competitive minute this season. ESPN Brasil also reported recently that the striker was training separately, with a departure becoming increasingly likely.

With the deadline approaching, Arsenal have now accepted approximately €10m upfront, although bonuses could increase the overall value.

Importantly, the move is permanent, allowing Arsenal to resolve Jesus' future rather than risk carrying the situation into the final months of his contract.

Barcelona's move for Jesus comes after their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez failed to progress.

The Catalan club had explored a move for the Atletico Madrid forward but were unable to reach an agreement, forcing them to consider alternative options following Robert Lewandowski's departure.

That opened the door for Jesus.

Manager Hansi Flick has approved the signing and reportedly values the Brazilian's attacking versatility, with Jesus capable of operating through the middle or from either wing.

His experience could also prove useful to a Barcelona side looking for another established attacking option without committing to the significantly larger investment that an Alvarez deal would have required.

A move to Spain also represents a change in direction for Jesus.

Only recently, the former Manchester City forward was said to prefer remaining in the Premier League if he left Arsenal. He was open to other destinations, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but another English club was reportedly his first choice.

Barcelona's approach has seemingly changed that thinking.

After almost a decade in English football with Manchester City and Arsenal, Jesus is now on the verge of beginning the next stage of his career in La Liga.

Jesus will undergo his Barcelona medical before completing the necessary paperwork and signing his three-year contract.

Provided there are no late complications, Barcelona are expected to announce the Brazilian on Tuesday, bringing his Arsenal career to an end and concluding a transfer that accelerated rapidly during the final days of the window.