It seems that every transfer window, Barcelona somehow makes it to the centre stage of transfer window, a drama involving the Catalan club appears inevitable, this year it’s no different as the club made it’s intention clear to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, who joined Atletico from Manchester City on a six-year contract. After spending two trophyless seasons, Alvarez made it clear to his club that he wants to leave.
Barcelona wanted a number 9 after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who joined moved to MLS side Chicago Fire, and back to back UCL winners PSG respectively. Barcelona wanted Alvarez as he was a perfect fit for the team. His pressing, versatility, movement, and finishing made him an obvious successor to Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona formally put a proposal of 100 million Euros but Atleti rejected it outright, and mocking Barcelona publicly. Atletico Madrid even put a statement confirming Barcelona’s interest and that they would sell Alvarez to any club except Barcelona with Arsenal showing interest in the Argentinian.Atletico Madrid behaved a bit naively to this situation. Every club and player wants to win titles, and when the club can’t win titles, the player will eventually want to leave for a better team, instead of letting him leave, Atletico made it clear that he won’t be joining the club, even Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin claim that their talisman would never be sold to Barcelona.
Barcelona could not afford to go ahead in the season without an experiences number 9, when any hopes of Julian Alvarez became imposibble, Barcelona went to the market looking for available number 9s, and finally decided to sign Gabriel Jesus as a low risk investment to the striker situation.Gabriel Jesus emerged as Barcelona’s late alternative to Julian Alvarez, and agreed with Arsenal for 10 million euros, signing a three year contract.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta reportedly had no plans for Gabriel Jesus. He has played for Manchester City and Arsenal, bringing Premier league and Champions league experience .Jesus’ ability to play as a central striker or playing wide positions is what Flick needs, versatality, pressing, link up play, which suits Barcelona’s style of play. His experience could help younger attackers.
Even though Jesus wasn’t in the plans originally, but he can help Flick. His arrival should be judged on performance and statistics rather than situation of his arrival.