Barcelona has been given the possibility to sign Flamengo striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa during the summer transfer window this year.

FC Barcelona has been presented with the opportunity to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Barbosa from Flamengo in the summer of 2022, according to a report from Fichajes.

Barbosa, better known by his nickname Gabigol, rose through the ranks at Santos and was considered to be the next great thing in Brazilian football when he signed with the club. After signing a contract with Inter Milan in 2016, the striker struggled to adjust to life in the Italian capital. An unsuccessful loan spell at Benfica followed, and the 25-year-old was then loaned back to Santos for the remainder of the season in January 2018.

Gabigol then signed with Flamengo, first on a loan basis, before committing his future to the Rio de Janeiro club permanently in 2020. In the two years since his return to Brazil, the centre-forward has rediscovered his mojo, particularly during his time at Flamengo, where he has had tremendous success.

Gabigol’s records:

Gabigol has an amazing record at Flamengo, having amassed an incredible total of 84 goals and 26 assists in 124 appearances while also winning two Brazilian league championships and the Copa Libertadores. Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all interested in signing the Brazilian international as a result of his improved play, which has piqued the curiosity of teams around Europe.

While it has been reported that his services have now been offered to Barcelona, the 25-year-old may sign with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2022, as previously stated in the report mentioned above.

Barcelona is on the lookout for a new centre-forward after the departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann in the summer of 2021. Sergio Aguero was signed by the club earlier this year, but the Argentine was diagnosed with a heart problem and eventually was forced to retire. Luuk de Jong, on the other hand, does not fit into manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans and will be released as soon as possible.

The Uruguayan was only going to be a short-term answer for the Blaugrana, which didn’t work out for him

Given the fact that Memphis Depay is not convincing while playing in the centre, it has become vital for Barça to recruit a replacement striker at the earliest opportunity. Edinson Cavani, the attacker for Manchester United, has been heavily linked with a January transfer. Because of his age, the Uruguayan will only be a short-term answer for the Blaugrana in the foreseeable future.

An attacking option like Gabigol, which has been offered to the Catalans, might provide a more long-term solution to the club’s offensive troubles. However, since his contract is valid until the summer of 2024, he might fetch a high transfer price, which the La Liga giants may find difficult to pay if their financial condition does not improve between now and the conclusion of the current season.