Barcelona in advanced talks with Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus - source

play
Burley: Barcelona are the team to beat in LaLiga (3:18)

Barcelona are in "very advanced" negotiations with Arsenal over a deal to sign Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, a source has confirmed to ESPN.

Jesus, 29, has just one year to run on his contract with the English champions and has emerged as an option for Barça following their failure to land Julián Álvarez.

Barça are hopeful of finalising a deal worth in the region of €10 million ($11.5m / £8m) for Jesus before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, with the source adding the player could even arrive in Spain to finalise the deal as soon as Monday.

The source adds the potential signing of Jesus will not necessarily end the Spanish champions' long-term pursuit of Argentina international Álvarez.

Barça made Álvarez their top target this summer following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

However, Atlético have refused to negotiate a deal with Barça, accusing them of tapping up Álvarez, which has forced the club to explore other options to fill the No.9 role.

Raphinha has played as the central striker in Barça's first two games of the season, scoring three goals, but coach Hansi Flick would like to have the option of an actual No.9 in the squad as well.

- 'Perfect' signing Rodri makes Barcelona debut as newcomers shine
- Every time Messi scored 4 goals for Barcelona, Inter Miami, Argentina

Jesus has fallen out of favour at Arsenal, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres both preferred ahead of him as the team's striker.

He was left out of the squad for the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and their Premier League opening day win against Coventry City.