Gabriel Jesus Joins Barcelona as Alternative to Julián Álvarez

Barcelona waited until the final day of the transfer window to reinforce its attack, eventually choosing Gabriel Jesus after its pursuit of Julián Álvarez stalled. The Brazilian forward signed from Arsenal for three seasons, through June 30, 2029.

Barcelona did not disclose the fee. Local media put the transfer at about 10 million euros, or $11.5 million, plus variables. Jesus, 29, arrives after two seasons affected by injuries, including a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2025.

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I am excited to be here at such a big club as Barcelona.

He rejected concerns about his fitness at his presentation. "I am very well physically. My knee is no longer a problem, it happened a year and a half ago, I recovered very well and returned to play very well for Arsenal," he said. He attributed his limited playing time last season to technical decisions rather than lingering knee problems.

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I am very well physically. My knee is no longer a problem, it happened a year and a half ago, I recovered very well and returned to play very well for Arsenal.

The move gives Barcelona a temporary solution at center-forward after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The club had considered ending the transfer window without signing a striker, despite continuing to explore options. Coach Hansi Flick said on Sunday that the team felt no pressure to buy, while acknowledging that possibilities remained.

Jesus made 32 goals and 22 assists in 123 matches for Arsenal after joining from Manchester City in 2022. Before that, he played for Palmeiras, where he developed. At Barcelona, he is presented as an opportunity to cover the number nine position while the club continues looking for a reliable long-term striker.

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We are not under any pressure