Gabriel Jesus says he is ready to compete with fellow Brazil international Raphinha for a regular starting role at Barcelona after making a €10M move from Arsenal during the summer.
The forward has quickly settled at the Catalan club, having agreed to leave Arsenal after his opportunities at the Emirates Stadium were reduced. His move followed the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Jesus accepts that Hansi Flick is likely to rotate his attacking options in the months ahead, but the Brazil international is determined to make the most of every chance he receives.
“Raphinha is scoring goals. He plays every game and he deserves to,” Jesus said.
“I’m going to try to compete and wait for my opportunity to play more and get more minutes.”
Raphinha has established himself as a regular in Flick’s side, while Jesus is competing for a place in Barcelona’s first XI after making the move from the Premier League champions.
Jesus also wants his goals to have a decisive impact rather than simply arriving when Barcelona already have a comfortable lead.
“I want to score goals and help, and I don’t want to do it when it’s 2 or 3 or 4-0,” he added. “I want to score important goals.”
He scored his first goal for Barcelona after coming off the bench in their 5-1 UEFA Champions League victory against Feyenoord.
Jesus could be given another opportunity to increase his involvement when Barcelona host Racing Santander tomorrow.