{
  "id": 5509435,
  "title": "Key reason why Barcelona turned to Gabriel Jesus after missing out on Julian Alvarez",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/key-reason-why-barcelona-turned-to-gabriel-jesus-after-missing-out-on",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T06:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/key-reason-why-barcelona-turned-064000040.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barcelona opted for Gabriel Jesus as their backup plan when they were unable to secure Julian Alvarez, who was keen on the move but the transfer faced challenges due to Miguel Angel Gil Marin's position. While Barcelona had previously attempted to sign Gabriel Jesus in 2016, their efforts were thwarted by Manchester City's swift decision. The Brazilian was eager to join Barcelona, but he had previously been offered the opportunity to play for the club in 2016, which Manchester City secured. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, did not prioritize Jesus as his first-choice striker, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres ahead of him in the hierarchy. Barcelona proceeded with the transfer by securing a €10 million upfront payment for Jesus. The club thoroughly examined Jesus' medical condition, especially his knee health, due to his history of injuries. Barcelona consulted the same English doctors who had treated Jesus' knees, and their positive assessment allowed the transfer to proceed, thus filling the void left by the failed pursuit of Alvarez.",
  "summary": "Barcelona had a backup plan ready before their pursuit of Julian Alvarez reached its final stage, and that preparation ultimately led them to Gabriel Jesus.The Brazilian joined Barça from Arsenal for...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Former Barcelona striker questions Gabriel Jesus’ signing: ‘He is a stopgap option’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/former-barcelona-striker-questions-gabriel-jesus-signing-he-is-a",
        "published": "2026-09-04T08:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}