Gabriel Jesus’ Barcelona transfer was nine months in the making after repeated rejections

Gabriel Jesus’ late move from Arsenal to Barcelona may have appeared to come together suddenly, but the Brazilian’s representatives had reportedly spent around nine months trying to make the transfer happen.

Barcelona repeatedly rejected the opportunity to sign Jesus before finally changing their position in the closing stages of the summer window.

Arsenal’s willingness to accept just €10million (£8.7m), combined with Barcelona missing out on preferred striker Julián Álvarez, eventually opened the door for the deal.

The process reportedly started in December 2025, when Jesus had recovered from injury and returned to regular training under Mikel Arteta.

The striker wanted more playing time and a January departure became a possibility, bringing his availability to the attention of Barcelona sporting director Deco.

Although the finances were considered manageable, Barcelona had concerns about Jesus’ lack of regular football.

Deco ultimately decided against the move, with Hansi Flick and the sporting department believing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres provided enough attacking options.

Despite that rejection, Jesus’ representatives did not abandon the idea.

Giovanni Branchini’s office and Roc Nation Sports continued putting the Arsenal forward’s name in front of Barcelona throughout the first half of 2026.

Deco continued to appreciate Jesus as a player but had different priorities, with Álvarez remaining Barcelona’s preferred option to strengthen their attack.

Another approach was made during the summer, but Barcelona again showed little interest. At one point, they were reportedly so unconvinced that they did not even ask Arsenal for Jesus’ asking price.

That position would eventually change dramatically.

With Lewandowski having moved to the United States, Barcelona continued pursuing Álvarez as their priority striker target.

Once it became clear that deal could not be completed, Deco began seriously assessing alternatives.

Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Tresoldi were among the other names considered, but Jesus suddenly became a much more attractive option when Barcelona discovered Arsenal were prepared to sell for around €10m.

The decisive development came on August 27, when Barcelona faced Athletic Club and Deco decided to move for the Brazilian.

After months of rejection, the actual negotiations were completed remarkably quickly.

Jesus’ salary was one of the final obstacles, but the striker agreed to lower his wage demands to facilitate the transfer.

Barcelona also compromised by guaranteeing him a third year on his contract.

Those concessions allowed an agreement that had effectively been nine months in the making to be completed in around 24 hours once Barcelona finally decided to proceed.

Jesus now has the opportunity to rebuild his career at Barcelona after injuries and limited playing time complicated the latter stages of his Arsenal spell.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will hope the relatively modest €10m investment proves worthwhile and that the fitness concerns which initially made Deco reluctant to pursue the striker do not resurface.