Gabriel Jesus agrees to sudden contract change as Arsenal and Barcelona deal nears
Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of joining Barcelona from Arsenal(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of signing for Barcelona from Arsenal and has agreed to a last-minute change to his contract. The Brazilian is set to join the Catalan club on a permanent deal from the Gunners for a fee of £8.57million, with add-ons potentially to come.
Jesus, 29, had been made available for sale by Mikel Arteta and has not featured for the north London side so far this season. All parties appear to be happy with the move, prompting Barcelona into a late change.
The La Liga side's latest signing was set to sign a two-year deal at Camp Nou, with the option for a third year under certain conditions. However, they have now agreed on a three-year fixed contract, per SPORT.
READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!
Jesus was in attendance as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano. The former Manchester City ace watched his new team-mates rack up a 5-2 scoreline as Raphinha and Lamie Yamal both bagged braces.
Following the match, Barca boss Hansi Flick admitted that he was surprised that the club were able to get a deal over the line. The German coach believes the forward can offer a big boost to his side's aspirations.
"I was a little surprised we had the opportunity to get him," Flick said. "I really love him, I like his style to play football, it fits with our style. I think he can help us a lot in the games.
"For us, he can be an important [player], so thanks to [sporting director] Deco because again he made an excellent job."
Jesus is not the only player expected to leave Arsenal on transfer deadline day. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to depart for Al Hilal in a record sale for the Gunners.
The Brazilian winger makes the switch to the Saudi Pro League after the Gunners agreed a deal in excess of £50m. It appears that Arsenal have failed in their bid to land Malick Fofana as a replacement.
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Ethan Nwaneri is also set to leave Emirates Stadium. The 19-year-old is expected to join Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Arsenal boss Arteta revealed that his side must find a balance with their transfer business, but sales should only occur when it is in the club's best interest.
"That's what we are trying to get as a club but the balance has to be right," Arteta said. “There are areas that we have to improve to hit those numbers. And if it's not with sales, because maybe we don't want... We have to sell what we want to sell as well, not just to sell.
"And then when we want to sell as well, we have to be very careful because some of the assets, after maybe they grow and we still want them."
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