Hansi Flick hails Gabriel Jesus as ‘important signing’ after rapid Arsenal deal

Hansi Flick has welcomed Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona after the Spanish champions moved rapidly to secure the Arsenal striker in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Barcelona switched their attention to Jesus after failing to prise Julián Alvarez away from Atletico Madrid, reaching an agreement with Arsenal over the weekend before bringing the Brazilian to Spain to complete the formalities.

Jesus has already expressed his excitement about the move, while Flick believes the former Manchester City forward is ideally suited to Barcelona's style of football.

Finding another centre-forward became a priority for Barcelona following Robert Lewandowski's departure at the end of last season.

Alvarez had been their primary target throughout much of the window. Despite the Argentine pushing for a move, Atletico maintained publicly that he would not be allowed to join Barcelona.

That forced the Catalan club to change direction.

Jesus subsequently emerged as a late alternative, and negotiations with Arsenal progressed rapidly on Sunday.

Reports in Brazil initially placed the agreement at €10million plus bonuses, while Sport now claims the total package could eventually reach €15m.

The latest report states Jesus will sign a two-year contract with Barcelona.

Jesus arrived in Barcelona on Monday to undergo his medical examinations and complete the remaining transfer formalities.

He was subsequently spotted in the stands at Camp Nou as Barcelona recorded a 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Speaking briefly to the Catalan media, the 29-year-old made his ambitions clear.

“I'm very happy. I hope we win many titles,” Jesus said.

The striker has experienced significant injury problems during his Arsenal career, but dismissed any concerns over his current condition when asked specifically about his knee.

“My knee is perfect,” he responded.

Jesus is expected to formally sign his Barcelona contract at the club's offices on Deadline Day.

Flick has already spoken with his new striker and believes Barcelona have secured an important addition to their attack.

“He's a top striker. He'll be important,” the Barcelona coach said. “He can bring a lot to the team; I'm happy he's here.”

Flick also revealed that Jesus himself had been surprised by how quickly the opportunity emerged.

“I spoke with him this afternoon and he was a little surprised to have this opportunity. I like his style. He'll fit into our game. He's an important signing.”

The German also praised sporting director Deco for completing the operation at short notice.

The move provides Jesus with an opportunity to revive his career after becoming increasingly peripheral at Arsenal.

He accumulated only 988 minutes across 27 appearances last season, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

His versatility could be particularly valuable for Flick. Jesus is capable of operating centrally or from wider attacking positions and brings extensive experience at Premier League and Champions League level.

Barcelona's failed pursuit of Alvarez may have forced them towards an alternative, but Flick's comments suggest Jesus is far more than simply a fallback option.

Jesus is expected to complete the final formalities and sign his Barcelona contract on Deadline Day.

Once registered, attention will turn to how quickly Flick integrates him into the attack as Barcelona begin the post-Lewandowski era with an experienced and versatile new centre-forward.