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After weeks and weeks of waiting, Barcelona have finally managed to secure the signing of a striker – but it is not Julian Alvarez. In the last few days, the Catalans have accepted that a deal for the Atletico Madrid man will not be possible this summer, and sporting director Deco has moved quickly and quietly to secure an alternative. Barcelona have been linked with the likes of Fisnik Asllani, Serhou Guirassy and Nicolo Tresoldi in recent weeks, but as it turns out, none of them will be joining Hansi Flick’s squad this summer. Instead, it will be Gabriel Jesus that arrives, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that a deal has been agreed with Arsenal to sign the Brazilian forward. Jesus joins Barcelona on permanent deal The name of Jesus has been linked with Barcelona in the past, but that was when he was more of a starter for Arsenal. He is third in the striker pecking order in North London, which is why he has been allowed to leave this summer – and it is the Catalans that have won the race for his signature. Jesus will jet into Barcelona in the next 24 hours to sign on a permanent basis. The reigning La Liga champions will pay €10m plus add-ons for the 29-year-old, who is likely to arrive as a rotational option for the striker position, where Flick also has the likes of Raphinha, Anthony Gordon and Dani Olmo as players he has call upon. For €10m, bringing in Jesus is a low-risk move by Barcelona, although there is no doubt that supporters will be underwhelmed by his impending arrival. Alvarez has been the one for the entire summer, but instead, Arsenal’s third-choice number nine will be coming in to strengthen Flick’s options for the 2026-27 season, although it is the sort of arrangements that could very well come good for the Catalans.