Barcelona are closing in on another attacking addition after reaching an agreement with Arsenal for Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus during the current summer transfer window, a move that could increase competition in the Catalan side’s frontline, including for young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona and Arsenal have agreed on a financial package worth €10 million, in addition to performance-related variables and add-ons.

Jesus has been given permission by Arsenal to travel to Barcelona, with his medical scheduled for Monday. The transfer is therefore approaching its final stage, pending the medical tests and completion of the remaining formalities.

€10m Agreement

Barcelona’s move for Gabriel Jesus comes as the club looks to add an experienced forward to its squad following Robert Lewandowski’s departure and after being unable to complete a move for Argentine striker Julian Alvarez at this stage.

Jesus brings significant experience from English football, having represented Manchester City before joining Arsenal in 2022, while his ability to operate in different attacking roles gives Barcelona another option in the final third.

His medical history was also considered before Barcelona moved ahead with negotiations after the Brazilian suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in January 2025 before recovering.

Jesus remains under contract with Arsenal until 2027, but increased competition and limited playing opportunities have made a new challenge an increasingly realistic option.

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New Test for Hamza

Jesus’ expected arrival would give Barcelona another experienced attacking option, while also increasing the competition facing Hamza Abdelkarim, who has already taken his first steps with the Catalan club and featured during pre-season.

The Egyptian forward did not feature in Barcelona’s opening two La Liga matches, remaining on the bench against Elche and Athletic Bilbao as he continues to wait for his first official appearance.

The arrival of a player with Jesus’ experience does not necessarily mean Hamza’s opportunities will disappear, but it adds another name to the coaching staff’s attacking choices and could make the battle for playing time even tougher.

Hamza will now look to take advantage of any opportunity he receives to strengthen his position within the squad after showing encouraging signs during pre-season.

Jesus, meanwhile, is preparing for a new chapter outside English football after spells with Manchester City and Arsenal, with the medical and final paperwork standing between him and an official announcement.

Barcelona’s move for Jesus also does not appear to have completely ended their interest in Julian Alvarez. Reports suggest the Argentine remains a possible future target, while Jesus has emerged as the more attainable attacking option for the current window.