Barcelona decide against signing striker target due to €50m asking price | OneFootball

Barcelona are making moves in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, and it has been necessary. Over the weekend, they agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, although it appears that the Brazilian was not their top choice to take Ferran Torres’ place in Hansi Flick’s squad, following his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Initially, Barcelona had not planned to sign a replacement for Torres, with the idea being for only Julian Alvarez to arrive. But given that Atletico Madrid are still not opening the door to a move, they have decided to settle for bringing in a rotational option, with a view to trying again to sign the Argentine in 2027.

Prior to pursuing Jesus, Barcelona were linked with Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi. The 22-year-old is well-liked by Hansi Flick, although a deal was ultimately ruled out due to the asking price on offer, as reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenburg.

Club Brugge wanted €50m for Tresoldi

Tresoldi, who also attracted interest from Atleti, Manchester United and Chelsea, would only have left Club Brugge if the Belgians received an offer in the region of €50m. Barcelona considered this to be too much, which is why they moved on to Jesus, whom they are only paying €10m plus add-ons for.

As far as striker options go, Tresoldi would have been a very good investment for Barcelona, although it is understandable as to why they were not prepared to pay €50m for a player that would only be a rotational option – and even drop down further if Alvarez were to join next summer. The €40m they saved by going for Jesus instead can be put towards a new defender, which is the final addition that sporting director Deco is working to close before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.