Gabriel Barbosa is back on the radar of Arsenal with the Premier League club looking to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
This is despite the player himself admitting it would be a dream to play alongside his compatriot Neymar at Barcelona.
It may seem a logical step for the 19 year old to follow the same path Neymar trod when moving from Santos to Catalonia in 2013. The transfer is also given more depth with Barca acquiring first option on Gabriel during the discussions that brought Neymar to Camp Nou.
Nonetheless, this hasn’t perturbed Arsenal and Arsene Wenger too much as the Frenchman continues to keep tabs on the Santos forward. Wenger is also looking in the Brazilian market with teen Luis Henrique of Botafogo also on his radar.
Gabriel who shares a lot of the same traits as the Blaugrana’s number 11 including his pace, trickery and eye for goal has drawn a lot of praise already.
As Brazilian football scout Betinho, credited with recommending Neymar and Robinho to Santos said; “Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation. He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”
There is a reason he has been nicknamed ‘Gabigol’ by fans and pundits alike, Gabriel scored 21 goals in 56 games in all competitions in 2014. While this year he has netted 17 in 47 – impressive returns given that he is often deployed out wide. (By comparison, Neymar struck 42 in 60 in the season he turned 18 – so there’s still a way to go yet before he’s surpassing his predecessor.)
Barring injury, he will surely be involved in the Olympic squad for Rio – which holds much stock in Brazil – and will be a further advertisement to World football of what he can do.
Whilst the player has not indefinitely admitted a move to Europe is imminent, you wouldn’t be surprised if Gabriel is plying his trade on the continent in the next few years, especially as Barcelona will look to keep him away from the clutches of the Premier League clubs.
For now Arsenal are the only other club to signal any kind of interest but if the teenager continues to fire the goals in for Santos then it is likely the cavalry will come calling.
