Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was unsuccessful in convincing Leicester City star striker Jamie Vardy to join the Gunners and after failing to sign the England international, the north London club has turned his attention in signing Gabriel Barbosa.
Vardy, 29, was the Emirates club’s no. 1 target in the summer transfer window who was instrumental in helping his side win the league title. Arsenal had triggered his £20 million release clause in his contract, but the player has decided to snub advances from the English capital club in order to continue at the King Power Stadium.
The situation has forced Wenger to look elsewhere in the market and according to ESPN Brasil, Gabriel Barbosa, a.k.a. Gabigol has emerged as a target for the Premier League side. He has been dubbed to be one of the brightest prospects to come up from Santos and has been compared to the likes of Barcelona star Neymar, who also started his club career with the Brazilian side.
Arsenal has Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, and his compatriot Theo Walcott as the three players to lead his side's attack. The latter has failed to identify which is his preferred position as he has struggled as a central striker and also on the wings.
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The former Manchester United forward suffered a second injury setback, which will see him spend the majority of the 2016-17 season on the sidelines. This leaves Wenger with the French international as the only player to lead the attack and the situation has forced Wenger to turn his attention towards Gabigol.
Gabigol was part of the Brazil squad that went out in the group stages of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. He even admitted there are several offers for his signature.
“Yes, I have offers from some of the big clubs in Europe that interest me, but that is for my parents and my employers but I am happy at Santos. That will sort itself out in time. Santos is my home, but we will make a calm decision," he said.
The Brazil international is dubbed to be the new Neymar earlier admitted that he is thinking of moving to Europe and the areas he needs to improve, once he decides to join one of the clubs in the continent.
"I really don't think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe. Right now I'm more concerned about being ready. I'm always training hard," Gabigol told ESPN in February.
"If it turns out to be in southern Europe that would be great, as hopefully, it would be easier to adjust there both culturally and in football."
"I realize that Brazilian teams are tactically behind the Europeans. I am trying to learn tactically from my coach, Dorival Junior, who recently came back from some internships in Europe."
