The 'hidden' player that could reinforce Barça's attack: is there a real option?

Published New:28/07/2025 - 16:02h

Updated New:29/07/2025 - 04:38h

Gabriel Jesús enters the Azulgrana radar as a possible offensive reinforcement. Real move or simple speculation?

FC Barcelona apparently has not yet closed its 2025/26 incorporation market. Despite the fact that, as recognized by the club's president, Joan Laporta, in his most recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, in principle the Azulgrana team is not expected to make more signings this summer after the acquisitions of Marcus Rashford, Joan García and Roony Bardghji, it cannot be completely ruled out that a new addition will fall to strengthen Hansi Flick's team.

Gabriel Jesús, the 'dark horse' that appears on Barcelona's radar?

In this sense, new speculations have begun to emerge from England regarding the fact that Barcelona could still be pending the English market to bring in a totally 'dark horse' reinforcement. According to the English website CaughtOffside, the Catalan team remains attentive to the situation of the 28-year-old striker, Gabriel Jesús, at Arsenal.

However, this information clarifies that this interest is still in its primary phase, without the culés having made a move for him, in an operation whose economic terms are still unknown. Although from London it is not even ruled out letting him leave through a loan, in order to save the payment of his emoluments for this year.

THE POLL Would Gabriel Jesús be a good signing for Hansi Flick's Barça?

Gabriel Jesús's physical condition generates uncertainty

However, we must take into account the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition, since we cannot ignore that the former Manchester City player has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in mid-January of this year.

Given such a serious injury, and despite the fact that several images of the striker exercising have already emerged, it is unknown when he will be able to see action regularly again and, of course, at what sporting level he will do so.

📌 THE FACT: Gabriel Jesús has shown himself to be a player prone to injuries. Among other physical setbacks, the striker suffered a setback to the medial collateral ligament of his left knee in 2017 and a knee injury in 2022.

Several teams are closely following the situation of the '9', but with caution

So, with a panorama like that in mind, it seems complicated that Barcelona —as well as other clubs that have recently shown interest in his incorporation (Milan, Newcastle, Tottenham, Palmeiras and Flamengo)— launch an offensive for the Brazilian 'killer' in this window. Another story will be when the São Paulo native recovers and can take continuity in his game, being able to become an attractive name to assess with a view to the winter market.

It is worth remembering that the future of Gabriel Jesús at Arsenal does not look too clear. The striker has a contract with the Gunners until 2027, but his playing time in the team that lives at the Emirates Stadium will surely be reduced with the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres —probable '9' starter for Mikel Arteta's team— and with Kai Havertz also as a possible option to give depth to the position.

Does Barcelona need a '9' for this summer market?

Now, could the Azulgrana club really launch for a striker in this summer market? In principle, it does not seem the most feasible option. The culés have two good assets for that demarcation: Robert Lewandowski as a starter and Ferran Torres as a stellar revulsive.

Beyond them, Marcus Rashford also appears, who although he arrives to occupy the left wing, can act as a '9' if the occasion requires it; and Dani Olmo, another versatile option capable of playing as a false nine. Therefore, the Catalan team may not be prioritizing reinforcing the attack this summer.