Flick waits for two signings as Jesus nears and centre-back search continues

Hansi Flick insists that he is satisfied with Barcelona’s squad. At the same time, he has left the door open for two more signings. The German has adopted the traditional position of a coach at the end of a transfer window: he is happy, applying no pressure, but a centre-back and a striker would certainly be welcome.

During his press conference before the match against Rayo Vallecano, Flick confirmed that Deco was still working to strengthen the squad. He did not name specific players or positions, but “Mundo Deportivo” reports that Barcelona would like to add another central defender and a recognised centre-forward.

“Deco is building a very strong team. We are not under pressure. He has done a fantastic job so far,” Flick said, before acknowledging that the sporting director was continuing to assess the available possibilities.

The striker situation is already considerably more advanced. Barcelona are in talks with Arsenal over Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has reportedly been offered a two-year contract with an option for an additional season.

“Mundo Deportivo” values the total operation at approximately €10 million. TalkSPORT has gone further, reporting that the clubs have agreed a fee of around £8.5 million and that a medical is planned for Monday. The transfer has not yet been officially confirmed by either Barcelona or Arsenal.

Flick needs a striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Raphinha has played as the number nine in the opening games of the season, scoring three goals and leading the press effectively. Flick has publicly praised his performances in the position, while Fermín López can also be moved into attack if required.

Those solutions have worked, but they do not change the players’ natural profiles. Raphinha remains a winger operating centrally, while Fermín is a midfielder being pushed closer to goal. Jesus would give Flick a forward accustomed to playing between centre-backs, even if he is not a traditional penalty-box finisher in the Lewandowski mould.

The search for a central defender is much less advanced. Barcelona have sold Ronald Araújo to Liverpool, while Álvaro Cortés is joining Royal Antwerp. The young defender did not train with the team on Sunday and travelled to Belgium to complete his move. Barça are expected to receive approximately €3 million while retaining an option to bring him back.

Flick explained that Cortés needs regular football at the highest possible level. His chances of receiving those minutes in Barcelona would have been limited. The decision makes sense for the player’s development, although it has also shortened the coach’s list of central defenders.

Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martín are currently the natural options in the position. Eric García can move across from full-back, while Jules Koundé is also capable of playing centrally. Every emergency adjustment would, however, weaken another area of the defence.

No specific defensive target has emerged in the latest reports. “Mundo Deportivo” states only that Deco remains active and Flick will continue assessing the situation until the window closes.

The sequence is fairly typical. A few weeks ago, Barcelona planned to replace Araújo internally with an academy defender. That academy defender is now leaving as well, so the club are once again searching for a centre-back. The route was longer, but the need has returned to exactly the same place.

At least there is now a visible solution in attack. Jesus appears close to joining, although an official announcement is still missing. In defence, there is an open position, two days remaining in the window and Deco examining what can still be done.

Flick says there is no pressure. That is probably useful. The pressure already has enough work dealing with two transfers, player registrations and the closing window.