West Ham have been given a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan forward Gabigol, with the Brazilian keen to play in England, according to Sky Sports Italia.
The 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Serie A side, who are looking to offload the player they value at around £20million, according to the Daily Express.
Gabigol, whose real name is Gabriel Barbosa, has reportedly expressed his desire to experience the Premier League, and the Hammers are understood to have made contact with the Nerrazzuri over a potential move.
Complications could arise, however, from the fact that West Ham will need to secure a work permit for the forward, with no guarantee that he would be granted one.
Good move for West Ham?
This has the potential to be a great move for the Hammers. Gabigol is still massively rated in his home country despite a pretty disastrous spell in Europe so far, and if he can rekindle the kind of form that made Inter sign him in the first place, then he could be a huge hit. Sometimes a player just doesn’t fit a club, and if that’s the case then it’s best that both parties move on and try again. The striker has talent, undoubtedly, and while he may be viewed as something of a gamble, he could pay off big time.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Brazilian will leave, and with reports stating that he wants to play in England, West Ham are looking increasingly like a viable destination. The biggest obstacle could be obtaining a work permit, and it can be hard to legislate for that kind of bureaucracy, but both clubs are keen, the player seems keen, and if the powers that be rubber-stamp it, this could be a goer.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10