The saga involving 'La Arana' and Atletico, which still has another chapter to go with the complaint filed with FIFA by the Colchoneros, ended in the worst possible way for Barcelona and for the Argentine player, who dreamed of wearing the Blaugrana shirt.
Given the firm decision by Atleti not to sell Alvarez to the Catalan club, president Joan Laporta, Deco, and Hansi Flick had no choice but to look for other options in the market to find a replacement for the much-missed Robert Lewandowski. That's when the name of Gabriel Jesus came up.
The Brazilian's contract with Arsenal was set to expire in 2027, having played 123 matches, scored 32 goals, and provided 22 assists for the club. However, after numerous physical problems, including a serious knee injury in 2025, Arteta was unable to find a regular spot for him in the starting eleven in recent years.
That's why there was no resistance to the striker's departure, who only scored three goals in 14 Premier League matches last season and another three in 17 the previous one.
Contract details
Gabriel Jesus' signing for Barcelona for three years has been agreed for a fixed fee of 10 million euros plus another four million in performance-related add-ons.
Now, after passing his medical examination, he will immediately join Flick's squad to start competing for a place in a team where Raphinha, as the main attacking reference, has performed perfectly.
It remains to be seen whether, once fully fit, the new signing can claim the starting 'number nine' role or will serve as an impact substitute, with his compatriot adapting to that new position.
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