Arsenal linked to Gabigol; agent confirms £20m bid

Matt Stead

The agent of Brazil sensation Gabriel Barbosa has confirmed an unnamed club have bid for the reported Arsenal target.

Gabriel, nicknamed Gabigol in his native Brazil, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in world football at Santos, where he has scored 54 goals in 148 games.

The 19-year-old made his debut for the national team earlier this year, and has scored two goals in four international caps.

According to ESPN Brazil, Arsenal are one of three clubs who have made an offer for the forward.

Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune have also made a formal approach for the star, while an unnamed Serie A side have contacted Gabriel’s representatives. But it is the offer from Arsenal which ESPN claims has ‘interested’ the player.

Gabriel, seen by many as the natural heir to former Santos star Neymar, has a €50m release clause in his contract, and has previously been linked with a move to La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking to Radio Globo, Gabriel’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro, discussed his client’s future earlier this week.

“A €25m (£20.8m) bid for Gabriel was already given to the president and he turned it down.

“The athlete already said he’s too young and wishes to stay at least for one more year. So, I believe he’s not leaving.”