Real Madrid and Barcelona ready to battle for Arsenal star - Reports

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus, who has long been on the La Liga giants' radars.

According to AS, Jesus was top of the Blaugrana and Los Blancos' list to bolster their attacks in the summer of 2022. However, the Brazilian forward joined the Gunners from Manchester City for €52.2 million.

Jesus has shined at Arsenal, bagging 15 goals and nine assists in 44 games across competitions since making the move to north London. He's started this season with four goals and one assist in 11 games.

Barcelona and Real Madrid's interest in the 26-year-old hasn't subsided and they are following him closely. The report labels the Brazil international as 'unstoppable' when he's at the top of his game.

This was displayed during Arsenal's 2-1 win against La Liga side Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday (October 24). He assisted Gabriel Martinelli with an astute pass before kicking home a sensational effort of his own.

Jesus has four years left on his deal with Mikel Arteta's side and appears happy with life at the Emirates. Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to welcome two of his Brazilian compatriots to La Liga in the summer.

Vitor Roque, 18, is joining the Catalan giants from Athletico Paranaense while Endrick, 17, is heading to the Santiago Bernabeu from Palmeiras for €37.5 million. Jesus would be a excellent mentor for the Selecao wonderkids.

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Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas hails Barcelona ahead of their El Clasico clash against Real Madrid

Cesc Fabregas (middle) gives his take on the El Clasico.

Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has talked up his former club ahead of their meeting with El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. The Spaniard argued that the reigning La Liga champions are usually at their best against Los Blancos (via Football Espana):

"Barca’s best games of the season are coming against Madrid, because in the Super Cup or in La Liga.”

Fabregas expressed his admiration for the consistency shown by Barca under Xavi alluding to their performances in the UEFA Champions League. The Blaugrana have won all three of their Group H games:

“They look at a more advanced level, competing better in the Champions League and being much more consistent in terms of play and results in La Liga. That consistency is missing, but in terms of the level of play, they look much more confident and constant to me, with a much clearer idea.”

Barcelona trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by one point heading into the El Clasico. The two arch-rivals clash at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday (October 28).