Barcelona Transfer News: Gabriel Jesus Latest, Jonathan Calleri Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly edging closer to landing a new forward, with technical secretary Robert Fernandez said to be in Brazil amid rumours of moves for Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus and Sao Paulo man Jonathan Calleri.

According to Lluis Miguelsanz and Joaquim Piera of Sport, Barcelona’s will sign their new attacker from a Brazilian club, with Gremio striker Luan Vieira also said to be on their radar.

Jesus has been attracting plenty of interest, Globo Esporte (h/t Football Espana) having stated Manchester City have already agreed a €32 million (£27 million) deal for the youngster. However, according to the Sport report, the Blaugrana have not ended their pursuit quite yet.

“He has a large offer from Manchester City, but Barcelona wanted to check the matter out first hand,” Miguelsanz and Piera suggested. “It's tricky but the option to sign him is not yet removed.”

The 19-year-old’s displays for Palmeiras this season have enhanced his reputation, with the forward considered to be one of the nation’s best prospects. Here is a glimpse at the kind of talent he has:

Jesus would be an ideal deputy to the attacking threesome of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi. While at his best when operating through the middle, he’s shown a lot of versatility in his displays for the Brazilian outfit, meaning he could potentially fill in for any of the aforementioned stars.

Of course, the youngster has a long way to go before he’s anywhere near the level of the revered trident. However, as these numbers from WhoScored.com show, he’s already showcased an end product:

It seems as though a deal could be complicated, though, especially with City interested in securing the forward. According to Globo Esporte, the Premier League club would send Jesus back on loan to Palmeiras for the rest of the season. The prospect of working under Pep Guardiola would surely appeal to the teenager too.

So it’s little surprise Barca are considering different options, and Calleri is certainly an intriguing one. Indeed, the forward has shown a great eye for goal in recent seasons, impressing for Boca Juniors and now on loan with Sao Paulo. According to Miguelsanz and Piera, he “would love to sign for Barcelona.”

Fernando Vergara/Associated Press

The 22-year-old is another player who still has room to improve and is a little less versatile than Jesus; you suspect he’d be a deputy for Suarez at the point of the attack. As OptaJavier noted earlier this year, he’s shown he can score goals at a high level:

Barcelona are also reportedly considering Luan. The 23-year-old has shone for Gremio, and according to Miguelsanz and Piera, “in Brazil they say that he is ready to play in Europe for his quality and nose for goal.”

However, it’s suggested a fee of €20 million (£16.9 million) would be needed for the Brazilian club to consider selling. Here is a look at why they’ll be so keen to keep him:

Finding a player willing to play a supporting role to three of the best forwards in the world was always going to be a big test for Barcelona. But it seems they’ve opted to chase a youngster on an upward trajectory rather than a veteran forward whose best days are behind him. Evidently, the Primera Division champions are after more South American flair in this portion of the pitch too.

Of the three, Jesus looks the most prepared to make the step up to European football, although he does have a lot of learning to do. Calleri and Luan are both talented goal-getters, but the vibrant, dynamic style of the Palmeiras man would align brilliantly with the kind of football Barcelona play.