Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has been discussing West Ham United and their attempts to sign Gabriel Barbosa in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old certainly knows where the goal is, as he has so far banged in 84 goals in his 124 appearances for current side Flamengo.
West Ham have reportedly been hot on the trails of the forward, nicknamed ‘Gabigol’, with the Hammers in desperate need to add to their forward ranks in order to offer some support to Michail Antonio, who remains the only natural centre-forward that the club has on their books.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, Sheth provided an update on what was going on with regards to their pursuit of the Brazilian, noting that it seemed as if the player was eager to come to the Premier League.
He said: “In the past few minutes, I’m told the following: that West Ham’s offer to Flamengo is still on the table. I’ve been told it’s not been withdrawn and the interest does remain from West Ham United for Gabriel Barbosa.
“A reminder of what that proposal was from West Ham – 18-month loan plus a €30m option to buy. Flamengo do not want to loan or sell Gabriel Barbosa in this transfer window, but I’m also told that Gabigol has a meeting with his agents and Flamengo officials [on Thursday] in which he will make it clear to them that he wants to make a move to England.
“He believes that this is the right time to test himself once more. He had that period when he went to Inter Milan and he didn’t quite get the appearances that he wanted. And he feels that he’s got unfinished business in European football and he sees England as the ideal place to showcase his talents.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments on Gabriel Barbosa and West Ham United…
Would you take Gabriel Barbosa on a permanent deal at West Ham?
Yes
No
This does come across as a rather promising update for West Ham United if it sounds like Barbosa himself is eager to make the move, because that should really help them in their cause when it comes to getting him.
Whilst Sheth says that Flamengo don’t want to sell, if Barbosa kicks up enough of a fuss, then they might not have much choice but to sell him for fear that he might down tools.
And West Ham should be desperate for this deal to go through, because not only is this someone that can help them right away, but at the age of 25, if he’s able to replicate his form in South America in the Premier League, then he is someone that they could build a side around for the next few years and potentially beyond.
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