Barcelona close to signing Jesus from Arsenal

Barcelona are closing in on a move for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus worth £8.6m

A deal for the Brazil international is believed to be at an advanced stage and, while the finer details still require finalising, the transfer is expected to be completed before Tuesday's deadline. Napoli had shown an interest in Jesus, but the 29-year-old is set to join last season's Spanish league champions and will travel for a medical on Monday.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, scoring 32 goals and adding 22 assists in 123 appearances for the Gunners. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jesus was not training with the squad before Monday's Premier League game against Aston Villa.

When asked whether that meant Jesus was leaving, Arteta said: "Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it's clear." Jesus would be Barcelona's third signing from a Premier League club this summer, following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Rodri from Manchester City.

Earlier this week, Barcelona's pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez - also an Arsenal target - appeared to end as sources told BBC Sport that Atletico would not negotiate with their Spanish rivals. Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a medical with Al-Hilal.

It is believed a deal of at least £50m has been agreed for the 25-year-old Brazil international, after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made clear he is not in his plans. It is understood Martinelli will sign a four-year contract, with Al-Hilal offering wages thought to be significantly more than his reported £180,000 per week deal at Arsenal.