Real Madrid were close to signing Barcelona-bound striker in 2022

While Real Madrid’s transfer window this summer has largely been discussed as a special one, their arch-rivals Barcelona have also significantly strengthened their core.

The Catalans’ summer is headlined by the arrivals of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and Rodri, and they are now one step away from signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

While the Brazilian star has not played football of note for a long time now, Barcelona hope he can find his form and fitness under Hansi Flick.

Notably, Mundo Deportivo now bring to light a story from the player’s past where he was close to signing for Real Madrid.

Indeed, as relayed by the Spanish outlet, Jesus was offered to Real Madrid back in 2022 when the player was looking to leave Manchester City. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were both offered his signing at the time.

Ancelotti rated the striker highly. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Los Rojiblancos immediately refused the proposal and did not see him as a good fit. Real Madrid, who were under Carlo Ancelotti’s tutelage at the time, saw the incorporation with good eyes.

The technical reports around the striker were good, and even the manager was convinced by the deal. Eventually, however, the deal did not go through for bureaucratic reasons.

In that summer window, Real Madrid had three players registered in the available non-EU spots – Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Jesus’ arrival, thus, was cancelled as the player would not have been registered.

Eventually, all three non-EU spots were cleared in a matter of months and the club may have felt hard done by for missing out on Jesus. In hindsight, however, they dodged a bullet.

Barcelona are set to sign Jesus. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While there is no doubt that the Brazilian star is highly talented, his injury record at Arsenal has been abysmal and he has barely played football of note in two years.

His injury woes began in the 2023-24 campaign when he missed close to 90 days of action through various setbacks. In 2024-25, he suffered a cruciate ligament tear which kept him out for almost a year.

Now, he is back on the field and fit to play, but it is clear that his fitness remains fragile. Real Madrid will thus look back on the missed opportunity as a blessing in disguise.