Hansi Flick has revealed that he was surprised Arsenal agreed to sell Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona because the Brazilian is a player he likes a lot.
Jesus was asked to leave Arsenal this summer and was linked with a move to Napoli, with several reports claiming he had spoken to the Italians.
Napoli needed to sell at least one player before they could add him to their squad, and then Barcelona’s interest came to light after the clubs had already agreed a deal with Arsenal for the Brazilian.
Jesus had become surplus to requirements at the Emirates, and he was behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the pecking order at the club. He was not involved in Arsenal’s matches after the season started, which was a clear sign that the club wanted him to leave, and that has now happened.
Flick delighted with Jesus
Barcelona have completed the move for Jesus, and their German manager is happy that they managed to sign a player he admires. Flick also admitted that he was surprised Arsenal were willing to allow the Brazilian to leave.
The former Arsenal forward now has an opportunity to revive his career at Barcelona, where Flick believes his style of play can fit perfectly into the team’s approach.
Jesus will also hope to make a strong impression at his new club after finding opportunities difficult to come by at Arsenal this season. Barcelona will expect him to provide another attacking option as they continue their campaign.
Barcelona welcome Brazilian
Flick believes Jesus can become an important player for Barcelona and has praised sporting director Deco for helping complete the transfer.
He said via the Metro:
‘I was a little surprised we had the opportunity to get him.
‘I really love him. I like his style to play football, it fits with our style. I think he can help us a lot in the games.
‘For us, he can be an important [player], so thanks to [sporting director] Deco because again he made an excellent job.’
Jesus now begins a new chapter at Barcelona after his departure from Arsenal. Flick’s comments show how highly he rates the Brazilian, and the forward will have the opportunity to repay that confidence by proving his quality in his new surroundings.
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We are also surprised that we had the opportunity to sell him to you.
Thanks also to Deco for doing a good job once again
Jesus even took a pay cut to join Barca…Wonder how much.
Much respect for Jesus. I read where he said he had taken a very steep pay cut and he basically said he didn’t want to sit while riding out his Arsenal wages. He was very appreciative that the Barca opportunity arose within the last week or so and his new contract is reported to be for 3 years. I suspect his young family will look up to him even more now. He always wanted to make it work with the Arsenal but ultimately that just wasn’t going to be possible.
If he comes anywhere close to being the player he was before the awful run of injuries starting with the ’22 WC then Barca will have the transfer deal of the season. I wish him well (except if/when Barca plays us in the CL of course).
for this meagre amount yes Flick needs to be surprised; not for the quality of the player. Jesus struggled to score even in a deadrubber final week of last season at Palace.
Now he’s taken a pay-cut, its easier for Barca to sell him to Flamengo next year for €15m and turn a profit lol
£265,000 weekly wages for a bench warmer off the books!
Well done Arsenal.
My only worry is that our front line now looks decidedly weakened while our rivals, particularly City, have strengthened significantly
I hope we won’t surrender the PL title with a whimper after all the hope and confidence of just a few weeks ago
CorporateMan
We are only 2 games into the season. We know that not all players are going to work out (we at Arsenal have had a few of our own) or will take time to adapt.
My personal feeling is that too much or too little change to the squad can have a detrimental influence. The clubs that have pushed the financial boat out are those who had fallen behind. Arsenal went for depth last season so some had to go now. There is still a very good team at Arsenal-all bar 2 – who played together last year.
The fees paid for some individuals has been mind blowing
👍SueP. Peeps are so surprised when clubs go on a huge spending spree and buy so many highly rated players at once and then go on to have a terrible season (like LP last summer). Having a cohesive team improving over time and meticulously putting in the right pieces of the puzzle is the E ticket.
Arsenal havs to collect more points in the early stages of the league before the new players of rivals settle and gel with their teammates. The stability of Arsenal gives us this advantage.
Flick is right, Jesus is a fine player, but he is ignoring the injury record..