Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Barcelona, signing a three-year contract that will keep him at the Spanish champions until June 30, 2029. The two clubs confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, with neither officially disclosing the fee. British media reported that Barcelona paid around £8.6 million for the 29-year-old.
Jesus leaves Arsenal after four seasons in north London, having joined from Manchester City in 2022. He made 123 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists. His spell was disrupted by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2025, which kept him out until December, but he returned to contribute to Arsenal's 2025-26 Premier League title-winning campaign.
New challenge in Spain
The move gives Jesus his first opportunity to play in La Liga after spending almost a decade in English football. Before joining Arsenal, he enjoyed a trophy-laden six-year spell with Manchester City, making 236 appearances, scoring 95 goals and providing 45 assists. He won four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups and two Community Shields during his time at City.
Jesus said at his Barcelona presentation that joining the Catalan club was a dream after two difficult seasons. He said the possibility of the move emerged only around a week earlier and that he became emotional when it became clear the transfer would be completed.
Barcelona bolster attack
The Brazilian arrives as Barcelona strengthen their forward line following Robert Lewandowski's departure at the end of last season. Jesus joins a busy summer recruitment drive that has also brought Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Rodri, Joao Cancelo and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to the club.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has welcomed the signing, saying Jesus' style of football fits the team's approach and that the Brazilian could become an important player for the side.
Jesus has also enjoyed considerable success with Brazil. He won Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games and was part of the squad that lifted the 2019 Copa America, while also representing his country at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.