Gabriel Jesus: FC Barcelona's deal that took nine months to complete

FC Barcelona have finalized their signing of Brazilian Gabriel Jesus in the closing days of the transfer window, following negotiations and discussions that lasted nearly nine months, despite the fact that the deal was not initially among the club's priorities.

According to Spanish newspaper "Sport", Gabriel Jesus's name reached Deco's table for the first time last December, when the player had recovered from his injury and was looking for an opportunity to get playing minutes with Arsenal. However, the sporting director of FC Barcelona decided to postpone the deal, preferring to focus on other options, primarily Julián Alvarez.

With Robert Lewandowski's departure and FC Barcelona nearing a resolution on a new striker, Gabriel Jesus's name has resurfaced this summer, but Deco has not changed his stance, and the club has not even contacted Arsenal to discuss the possibility of completing the deal.

Things changed on August 27, coinciding with the match between FC Barcelona and Atlético, as the signing of Julián Alvarez became difficult, leading Deco to turn to an alternative plan. Arsenal were ready to sell Gabriel Jesus for €10 million, while the agreement on the player's salary was the final hurdle.

In just 24 hours, Gabriel Jesus has agreed to reduce his salary, while Barcelona have agreed to offer him a fixed contract for three seasons, finalising the deal after nearly nine months of discussions.

Gabriel Jesus has become a player for FC Barcelona, with the challenge ahead of him being to regain his physical and technical form after a long period of not performing at his previous level.