Flamengo have reportedly slapped a price tag of €30 million on star striker Gabigol, amid interest from Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle United.
According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle United have learnt how much it will take to sign Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa, a.k.a Gabigol, from Flamengo.
Having come through the ranks at Santos, Gabigol shot to fame with the Brazilian giants due to his goalscoring prowess, which earned him a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan in the summer of 2016. However, he struggled to repeat his heroics in Italy and struggled massively before leaving on loan for SL Benfica a year later.
Following a disappointing six-month stint in Portugal, Gabigol returned to Brazil in January 2018, signing for Santos on loan, where he slowly rediscovered touch. A year later, the 25-year-old joined Flamengo, initially on loan, before the transfer was made permanent in January last year. He has excelled during his stint with the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit.
To date, Gabigol has produced a handsome return of 84 goals and 26 assists from 122 matches, in the process winning the Copa Libertadores and two Brazilian league titles. Having worked his way back to the top in his homeland, the 25-year-old is back on the radars of top clubs in England and Europe, with the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Newcastle United taking a liking.
Arsenal are preparing for life without Alexandre Lacazette, who has entered the final year of his contract and seems set to depart from the Emirates Stadium in January in a cut-price deal or the summer on a free transfer. His potential exit, coupled with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting older, means Mikel Arteta & co. need a new centre-forward.
Links to Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic have been doing the rounds for a while now. But someone like Gabigol could be a cheaper alternative. However, they will need to compete with Everton for the signing of the 25-year-old. The Toffees had been credited with an interest in the Brazilian international during the summer, but it led to nothing.
However, the team has struggled in the injury-enforced absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with summer signing Salomon Rondon failing to make the desired impact while Richarlison doesn’t entirely fit in well in the No. 9 role. So, a move for someone like Gabriel Barbosa makes sense for Everton.
In addition, Newcastle United are also looking at the ex-Inter Milan striker, considering that they have little cover for Callum Wilson in the No. 9 slot. Given their battle for survival in the Premier League, an in-form goalscorer like Gabigol can make a telling impact and help them make a push for safety in the second half of the season.
As per the report, there is also interest from Aston Villa, while Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen. And, they have learnt that Flamengo would be willing to do business for a transfer fee of €30 million, which should not be a problem for either Arsenal or Newcastle. However, Everton might face some difficulties due to their Financial Fair Play problems.
