'Really love him': Manager confirms deal to sign 'special' Arsenal star before deadline
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed his delight after the club secured an agreement to land Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus before tonight’s transfer deadline.
The Brazil international was deemed surplus to requirements at the Gunners this season, and he is now expected to join the Blaugrana.
Earlier on Sunday, Arsenal agreed a deal worth £8.6 million plus £3.4m in add-ons for the 29-year-old, who has since landed in Barcelona.
The Spanish champions have yet to formally announce his transfer, but Flick has virtually done so.
Speaking in his press conference after the 5-2 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano, Flick said he was a ‘little surprised’ that Barcelona had the opportunity to sign him.
The German tactician added that Jesus’ playing style fits perfectly with the club’s tactics, and the forward can be an important player for the Blaugrana this campaign.
He said (via ESPN): “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 did an excellent job.”
Jesus’s sale is a win-win situation for both clubs
Jesus, described as ‘special‘ by manager Mikel Arteta, was the subject of interest from Napoli for the last few weeks, but the Serie A giants did not make a formal approach to the Gunners.
Barcelona eventually secured a verbal agreement out of the blue. There was no speculation until Sunday when the Catalan outfit finalised a quick deal with the English champions.
In our view, the transfer is a win-win situation for both clubs. Jesus did not make the matchday squads for the first two games of the new season due to the fierce competition for places.
His situation was likely to worsen with Arsenal eyeing another forward acquisition. His decision to join Barcelona means Arsenal will get his £265,000 per week salary off their wage bill.
The Gunners will save overall wages of £11.4m from his exit, which could be utilised for a late summer signing. On top of this, they have agreed on a £12m package for his departure.
For Barcelona, they have got a player that suits their system. Jesus could be a good fit as they create more clear-cut chances in the box. He is being seen as Ferran Torres’ replacement.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
The post 'Really love him': Manager confirms deal to sign 'special' Arsenal star before deadline first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
