Barcelona open talks with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus

Barcelona have entered negotiations with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus over a potential transfer during the current window, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo.

The move comes after Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez stalled, prompting the club to strengthen their attack following Robert Lewandowski’s move to the United States and the sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain.

The report stated that Jesus, who has one year left on his Arsenal contract, could serve as a backup striker at Barcelona.

The Brazilian forward brings extensive Premier League experience, having played for Manchester City from 2016 to 2022 before joining Arsenal.

The report added that Jesus’s role at Arsenal has diminished, as he is now the third-choice striker behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, making the London club open to his departure without complicated financial demands.

The newspaper also confirmed that signing Jesus does not mean Barcelona will end their pursuit of Alvarez, even if that deal is postponed to a future transfer window.

The arrival of Jesus could impact Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who has been on the bench for the first two rounds and may be dropped from coach Hansi Flick’s plans or return to the reserve team.