West Ham are in pole position to sign Inter Milan forward Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The transfer expert claims via his official website that the Hammers have contacted Inter about the 22-year-old, who is due to return from a loan with Brazilian giants Santos next month.
It is understood that discussions are continuing between the two sides, but West Ham are not the only Premier League side taking a look at the Brazil international.
Good move for West Ham?
Gabigol has not been a good signing at all for Inter Milan, so it is not a shock to see that the Italian giants would be willing to cash in on him next month after sending him on loan to both Benfica and Santos.
At Santos, the 22-year-old was in top form, scoring 19 goals for them across all competitions in 2018.
However even though he has impressed in Brazil, he failed to have much of an impact at the San Siro, and that means that he will more than likely struggle in the Premier League as well.
Calcio Mercato reported last month that Inter want no less than £18million for Gabigol, which is too steep for someone who is going to be a risky signing for whoever lures him away from Italy.
This is Futbol rating 2/10
Likely to happen?
Manuel Pellegrini has not shied away from signing South American compatriots during his time at the London Stadium, so there is a good chance that he is considering a move for Gabigol in January.
However it looks like he is wanted by a lot of other English clubs and even though the Hammers are leading the race for his signature at this stage, they will probably want the striker fro a lot less than £18million.
This is Futbol rating 4/10