Brazilian starlet Gabriel Barbosa is considering a move to Chelsea FC, and has reportedly rejected an extension from his club Santos.
Incoming Italian manager Antonio Conte is set to bring about a change at Stamford Bridge, and he has taken the first step in that direction by signing Michy Batshuayi from Olympique Marseille. After roping in the Belgian attacker, Conte has turned his attention to another, and has reportedly submitted a bid of €30 million to Brazilian club Santos for their young striker Gabriel Barbosa.
Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, is being seen as the next big Brazilian talent after Neymar. The 19-year-old striker joined Santos at the age of 8, and made his professional debut when he turned 16. He has scored 55 goals in 151 appearances for the club over three seasons. His performances have attracted the interest of a number of top European clubs including Arsenal, Juventus and Internazionale.
Gabigol also has four caps and has scored two goals for the national team, including one in his international debut against Panama.
After the Brazilian club initially rejected Chelsea’s bid, the player is now reconsidering his future and holding up signing a new deal with Santos, according to Globo Esporte.
“No. It’s not yet. The president ended up saying it, but there’s nothing done. We’re only talking. My parents and my agents are talking,” said Gabigol of a proposed contract extension with Santos.
“There are some things to talk. I have offers, too. But there’s nothing certain yet, no. We’ll talk with my parents and my agents. We are talking and will sort it little by little.”
Gabigol has a contract with Santos till 2019, which the club are hoping to extend till 2021. However, the teenage striker is now seriously considering a move to join Chelsea. He is also reportedly seeking professionals in Brazil who could accompany him to England, and his family also seem to be keen on the move. They have left the decision to him though, as he hopes to follow in the footsteps of compatriot and national captain Neymar, who joined Barcelona three years ago.
The teenager’s primary concern is a lack of playing time. He is used to being the number 1 striker at Santos and would think twice before traveling across the ocean to warm the bench at Stamford Bridge. In this regard, his representatives may consider the offer and seek reassurances from Chelsea later this week, but Gabigol himself has not yet confirmed that he wants the move.
