Barcelona complete signing of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus

FC Barcelona confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Premier League champion Arsenal on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has joined for a fee of around 10 million euros and signed a contract until the end of June 2029.

Gabriel Jesus' arrival will end Barcelona's efforts to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, with Atletico unwilling to sell the Argentine international to a club it considers to have made an illegal approach to the forward.

Gabriel Jesus (R) of Arsenal battles with Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal 2nd Leg football match between Arsenal and Sporting CP in London, Britain, April 15, 2026. (Xinhua)

Although he is Barcelona's 'back-up' plan, Gabriel Jesus said he did not feel offended at being 'Plan-B'.

"This doesn't bother me and it doesn't offend me: what offends me is when people call me a bad guy and no one's ever said that to me in my life," said the forward.

"What bothers me is not playing football. I have the opportunity to be here at Barca. I had it 10 years ago, and life took me down a different path. I'm here now and I will do my best. I am someone who always works hard and hard work always pays off," said Gabriel Jesus.