Hansi Flick says he was 'surprised' by Arsenal's transfer deadline day decision
Arsenal were busy on transfer deadline day, even though they didn’t sign anybody.
Mikel Arteta’s side had an underwhelming transfer window. Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa were their big signings, but the attack only saw Christos Tzolis come in.
That leaves Arsenal really light in attack following the sanctioned sales of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
The latter has joined Barcelona in a deal that surprised many, including their own manager.
Hansi Flick says he was surprised that Gabriel Jesus was available for Barcelona
Jesus completed four years at Arsenal earlier this summer.
The Brazil international was the marquee signing in 2022, and he was one of the best players in the Premier League in his first few months as a Gunner.
However, an injury during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar became the first of many issues for Jesus, who never looked the same over a period of time since.
That, however, doesn’t change the fact that he is a top-class player – Barcelona signing him as an alternative to Julian Alvarez proves that.
The Spanish club’s manager, Hansi Flick, has now raved about his new striker and even claimed that he was actually surprised that Arsenal made him available for Barca to sign.
He said, as relayed on BBC Sport: “I really love him, I really like how he’s playing football.
“I think for us, it’s an important transfer. I was a little bit surprised that we could have the opportunity to get him. I really love him, and I really like how he’s playing football, the style in which he plays football.
“I think it fits our style. I think he can help us a lot.”
"I really love him and I really like how he's playing football." 🙌
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 1, 2026
Hansi Flick admits he was surprised Barcelona managed to secure Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/guG7diI1Bc
Gabriel Jesus could thrive at Barcelona
Jesus’ biggest problem at Arsenal was injuries.
The Brazilian showed his quality on several occasions, but every time he started producing the goods, he seemed to suffer a setback.
That is why Arsenal were happy to let him go this summer, and we think Barcelona have pulled off a very clever move to sign him.
La Liga is far less physical and intense than the Premier League, so Jesus shouldn’t have that many injury issues. Furthermore, his technical ability is perfectly suited to the Spanish top flight.
We don’t expect Jesus to start every single game, but when he does, we expect him to impress under Flick in the coming months.
