In one of the more unexpected signings on transfer deadline day, Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona from Arsenal in a deal worth an initial €10 million. The Brazilian signed a three-year deal at Camp Nou and immediately became the only recognised striker in Hansi Flick's first-team squad. Those same sources say Barca will pay an initial €10million (£8.5m; $11.5m) plus €4.5m in potential add-ons.
"It happened very quickly," Jesus, who took a pay cut to push the move through, confirmed on Tuesday. "It was only a week ago that I received a message that it could happen. At his unveiling on Tuesday, he said he had taken “a significant pay cut” to sign for Barca.
In four Premier League seasons with Arsenal, spanning 84 games, Jesus has averaged 3.64 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. "When we need runners and players that help a lot with our high intensity and high pressing, he is the best in the world," former City coach Pep Guardiola said of Jesus in 2022. "Thanks to him we can stay high and be so aggressive."
Julián Álvarez is back in normal training as reports say the Atlético Madrid forward will remain with the club until at least January. The report also says Álvarez has returned to normal training with the group. His stated aim is to try to make the squad list for Atlético’s upcoming match against Athletic Club, providing the immediate sporting focus after the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
Reporting: ESPN, Football España, World Soccer Talk, The Athletic.