Former Gunner admits he took pay cut to leave this summer

Gabriel Jesus completed his transfer to FC Barcelona on deadline day, leaving Arsenal to sign a three-year deal with his new club to 2029.

Reports had previously suggested that Jesus was only signing a two-year deal with a one-year option to extend, but Barcelona themselves have confirmed his initial contract lasts for the full three years.

That could end up being relevant to Arsenal, as Jesus’ deal reportedly includes a 20% sell-on clause. It’s obviously more likely the striker will be sold again (rather than completing a free transfer exit) if his contract is a bit longer.

Speaking to the media, Jesus had admitted that Barcelona contract involved a significant pay cut, but he felt it was worth it.

“I took a significant salary drop, but it’s a dream to be here,” Jesus said. “But it wasn’t just me who had to make an effort to get the transfer over line, Barca also played their part.

“If you had asked me one month ago, I would have said it was unlikely this would happen. At 29, I didn’t think I would have the chance to come to Barca.

“A week ago I received a message that it could happen. When I started to think it was a real possibility, I was so excited. Now I can’t wait to start training and playing.”

Barcelona will reportedly pay an initial €10m (£8.6m), with further add-on payments worth up to €5m (£4.3m) more, for a total package of €15m (£12.9m).

As Jesus suggests, the move came somewhat out of the blue, with much stronger links with a move to Napoli throughout August. But with Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez failing, they were suddenly in the market for a striker.

Jesus spent four years with Arsenal, playing 123 times and scoring 32 goals for the Gunners on the way to his fifth Premier League title. The former Manchester City man had a year left on his contract, so he was set to leave for free next summer.