Barcelona have reportedly begun negotiations to secure the services of 23-year-old Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral from FC Basel.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Arthur Cabral is the leading candidate to join Barcelona in the January transfer window. The Catalan giants have initiated discussions to secure the services of the 23-year-old Brazilian striker.
Arthur Cabral has come leaps and bounds since joining FC Basel from Palmeiras. The young striker was initially signed on loan in August 2019 before his move was made permanent a year later. And since then, he has not looked back, establishing himself as one of the best attacking players in the Swiss league.
Cabral has been especially brilliant in the 2021/22 season, with 24 goals and eight assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. His exploits have even earned the player his maiden call-up to the Brazilian national squad, although he is yet to make his debut. At the same time, several clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, have their sights set on him.
The interest from Barcelona makes a world of sense, considering Luuk de Jong is the only recognised striker at Xavi’s disposal. Sergio Aguero is the major absentee for the Blaugrana for the foreseeable future, due to a heart condition that will need specific treatment.
In addition, Martin Braithwaite is a long-term absentee for Barcelona because of a knee injury. With Luuk de Jong failing to impress and even copping flak from Barcelona legend Luis Suarez Miramontes recently, it is but obvious that the Catalan giants have to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
To that end, Cabral is a viable target for Barcelona, who have opened talks to secure his services this winter. Signing the 23-year-old will not be an expensive operation either, with FC Basel set to demand around €20 million to part with the Brazilian striker in January.
What remains to be seen is if Barcelona can make progress in negotiations with FC Basel and Cabral to seal a winter move. For now, the initial groundwork is being laid for Barcelona to secure the services of the young forward to bring an end to their desperate search for a striker.
