Arsene Wenger’s search for reinforcements for his misfiring front line have taken him to Brazil.
The latest sensational striker, 19 year-old Gabriel Barbosa – known simply as Gabigol – has been targeted by the Arsenal manager after promising performances for the national team during their disastrous Copa America Centenario campaign in the USA this summer.
Wenger, currently in talks over Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, 25, is keen to find a long-term solution to the lack of goals which derailed Arsenal’s title bid in the second half of last season. With Danny Welbeck set to miss most of 2016/17 through injury, Wenger is not prepared to rely on inconsistent front man, Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman went 15 games without scoring after he netted in the 3–3 draw at Anfield and is prone to barren spells which are proving costly.
Barbosa made his debut for Santos, Pele’s former club, as a sixteen year-old and has since gone on to score 22 goals in 78 Serie A appearances. He has been prolific in the state championships and Copa do Brasil, with 32 goals in 70 matches.
He is expected to shine for Brazil’s Olympic side this summer, having scored six goals in his five previous Under-23 internationals.
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