Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has played down the prospect of further arrivals before the transfer window closes, after confirming that Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of joining the Catalan club.
Asked whether supporters should expect more new signings, Flick replied: “I don’t think so.”
Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign the 29-year-old Brazil international from Arsenal, with Jesus already in Barcelona ahead of completing his move. The forward is expected to finalise his contract shortly.
Flick was questioned about the club’s transfer plans after Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Monday. The German coach used his post-match comments to confirm that Jesus’ move was close to completion, while indicating that the club was unlikely to add another player before the transfer window shuts.
The result against Rayo Vallecano came at Barcelona’s home ground, with the hosts producing a convincing performance to record a five-goal victory. The match also provided the immediate backdrop to Flick’s comments on the club’s recruitment business.
Jesus’ imminent arrival is the main development in Barcelona’s transfer plans. The Brazilian is already in the city and is expected to sign once the remaining formalities have been completed. Barcelona and Arsenal have agreed the transfer, although the contract was yet to be concluded at the time of Flick’s remarks.
The forward’s move will give Flick another attacking option, but the manager’s response suggests Barcelona do not currently anticipate making additional signings before the deadline. His brief answer came in response to questions from media representatives following Monday’s match.
Barcelona’s agreement with Arsenal brings Jesus to a club whose latest transfer activity has attracted attention because of the player’s profile and experience. However, Flick did not outline any further targets or indicate that negotiations were under way for another arrival.
For now, the focus is on completing Jesus’ transfer. The 29-year-old has already travelled to Barcelona and is close to becoming the latest addition to Flick’s squad, while the manager’s comments suggest the club may then consider its business complete for this window.
Monday’s win over Rayo Vallecano therefore ended with two notable developments for Barcelona: a 5-2 La Liga victory and confirmation from Flick that Jesus’ transfer is approaching its conclusion. When asked if another newcomer should be expected, the manager’s answer was clear: “I don’t think so.”