BARCELONA are said to be considering Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa as an option to replace their injured star-striker Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay international underwent surgery on knee ligament damage earlier this week, ruling him out for at least four months.
Gabriel Barbosa is the front runner for Quique Setiéns Barcelona sideCredit: AFP or licensors
The Catalan side find themselves in murky waters with Suarez sidelined for the foreseeable future and a lack of time frame for the return of Ousmane Dembele – leaving new boss Quique Setién short of options up front.
Inter-owned Gabigol is rumoured to be next in line to help fill Setién’s striker void.
The 23-year-old scored 34 goals in 43 games on loan at Flamengo, along with 11 assists, taking them to the league title and Copa Libertadores.
It is evident his future lies away from Inter as the Nerazzurri want to sell him to raise funds to strengthen their midfield.
Mundo Deportivo report Gabigol could be part of an exchange deal with Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal.
With the frontman’s future up in the air, there have been plenty of enquires about the 23-year-old.
The £20million-rated Brazilian striker has been linked with Frank Lampard’s Chelsea after showing successful form in a top-flight side last season.
It was claimed they could be willing to offer Olivier Giroud to the Italian side as part of the deal to bring him to London.
Chelsea’s pursuit of the Brazilian is somewhat threatened by LaLiga giants Barcelona, as their emerging interest has the potential to overshadow that of the Blues.
AC Milan striker Rafael Leao is another name that has been thrown in the hat at Barcelona as Setien looks to shape his side.
Having only joined the San Siro club on a five-year deal in the summer, Leao is yet to perform, cementing Gabigol as the key attraction.
Rafael Leaos name is thrown into the ring to replace Luis suarez at BarcelonaCredit: EPA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
