Former Palmeiras director Alexandre Mattos has confirmed that Inter had made a huge bid for Gabriel Jesus prior to his move to Manchester City back in January 2017.
“We had two meetings with Inter and their offer was €45 million,” he explained in an interview with Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it.
He then went on to quickly reveal why a move to Inter never took place.
“Gabriel had already spoken and given his word to Guardiola. There were four major European clubs on him. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter. All options made him very happy.”
Next Mattos was asked to cast his mind back to 2016 and asked to decide whether he would have signed Jesus or Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, who ended up at Inter but flopped massively and is now back in Brazil with Flamengo.
“Both were fantastic. Jesus was growing whilst Gabigol had more experience. Let’s say, however, that both are excellent players with different styles. The former is more powerful and faster, the latter more technical. I’m biased and I’m a fan of Gabriel Jesus, who is my friend. I’d always like to have him on my team.”
In conclusion he was asked about reports in the media which have suggested Inter could make a move for the Brazilian should Lautaro Martinez leave the club.
“He would undoubtedly be a great signing. We are talking about a top player and an exemplary professional. If Inter manage to catch him, the team’s technical quality will undoubtedly increase.”
Whilst with Manchester City, Gabriel Jesus has made 141 appearances across all competitions to date. In his time on the park he has scored a total of 63 goals and has also provided 26 assists for his teammates.
