Chelsea are hoping to win the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa after tabling a £25m bid for the Arsenal and Juventus target, according to the Mirror.
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The Brazilian forward was initially expected to sign a new contract with his current club, but the situation is believed to have changed in the last 24 hours.
At just 19 the forward has broken into the Brazil team in recent months and is one of the stars of a Santos side that is fighting for the Brazilian Championship, having scored four goals so far this season as the Peixe sit in fourth. The president ended up saying it, but there’s nothing done.
Meanwhile, Gabigol himself also owns 40 per cent of his contract, while Doyen Sports own the other 20 per cent. This means the player has a big say in his own future, and accepting Juve’s offer while rejecting Chelsea’s has to be seen as a statement about his preferences. But there’s nothing certain yet, no. We’ll talk with my parents and my agents.
He recently agreed to stay at the club until 2021 after penning a new contract extension. He is also reportedly seeking professionals in Brazil who could accompany him to England, and his family also seem to be keen on the move.
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Brazilian outlet ‘Lancenet!’ later reported that the player had agreed to join Juventus, however Santos deemed their €18m offer too low.
