Tag Futebol

There has not been a whole lot to cheer about for Chelsea fans this year, as every impressive win is seemingly followed by an embarrassing draw or defeat.

For all the money spent on new players for Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, the performances haven't improved from last season.

That said, a few youngsters have impressed thus far, with Cole Palmer being the obvious one, but there is another that people might look kinder upon at the end of the year: a player who is now worth twice as much as Christopher Nkunku.

Christopher Nkunku's valuation this season

Chelsea spent around £52m to sign Nkunku from German club RB Leipzig last season, and while the transfer was initially agreed in December 2022, he didn't join the club until the summer window.

Since arriving in West London, it would be hard to describe the Frenchman's season as anything other than a disaster, not due to his performances but his consistent and severe injury problems.

In the 26-year-old's short Blues career so far, he has suffered from four separate injuries, which have seen him miss a total of 34 games and spend 221 days on the sidelines.

This acute lack of game time has understandably hurt his valuation, with the CIES Football Observatory now pricing the former Paris Saint-Germain forward at just €40m, which is £34m, and it would probably be even less if he didn't have such an impressive campaign last year, returning 32 goal involvements in 36 games.

Nkunku's value has plunged so dramatically this year that he is now worth half as much as one of his younger teammates.

Nicolas Jackson's valuation this season

Yes, the player in question is fellow summer signing Nicolas Jackson.

Now, the former Villarreal striker has not had the easiest of transitions into English football, and he has received his fair share of stick for his myriad of impressive misses, but it hasn't been as poor a season as many might think.

In his 35 appearances so far this year, the Djibonker-born ace has scored 12 goals and provided four assists, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 2.1 games for Pochettino's malfunctioning side, which for a young player in his first campaign in England, really is not that bad, and is far from a complete disaster.

Moreover, his underlying numbers are genuinely quite impressive as well.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the "extraordinary" striker, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, sits in the top 7% of forwards for non-penalty expected goals and assists, the top 10% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 14% for successful take-ons, and the top 15% for pass completion, all per 90.

Nicolas Jackson Scouting Report

Stats per 90

Percentile

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

Top 7%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

Top 14%

Pass Completion

Top 15%

Non-Penalty Goals

Top 17%

All Stats via FBref

These statistics might not make the 22-year-old a world-class number nine, but they suggest that, over time, he could develop into the striker Chelsea need and, combined with his age, have seen his valuation soar this season.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth around €80m, or £68m, which is twice Nkunku's valuation and £38m more than they paid for the rapid forward, which shows that the club have hit the jackpot with the Senegal international as his soaring value and performances on the pitch have been promising given the circumstances.

Related Chelsea star whose value has fallen by £64m is now worth less than Palmer

The talented Blues ace has had an underwhelming season this year.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

Ultimately, while Jackson hasn't lit the world alight this season, he also hasn't been anywhere near as poor as some may suggest, and while it might take him a couple more campaigns to fulfill his true potential, the fact that he is already worth so much money is just a nice bonus for Chelsea Football Club.

Tottenham really want a "complete" centre-back who's found his way to the very top of Spurs' transfer wishlist for January, according to Sky Sports.

Centre-backs linked with moves to Spurs

Manager Ange Postecoglou was forced to play Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as a makeshift centre-back pairing before Cristian Romero's return from suspension against West Ham. Spurs' head coach doesn't appear to favour Eric Dier, who has now found his way onto the treatment table alongside star defender Micky van de Ven and youngster Ashley Phillips.

Related Spurs talks now "underway" to sign "quick" star likened to Alphonso Davies

There’s been meetings in London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Van de ven is expected to make his return in early 2024, but his and Romero's recent absences have seriously exposed Tottenham's lack of options in central defence.

As a result, it is now widely reported that Spurs want to sign a left-sided centre-back in the January transfer window. Chairman Daniel Levy was thought to be chasing Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly on summer deadline day to give Postecoglou another option, but a move for the Englishman ultimately didn't come to fruition (The Times).

However, there is no shortage of alternatives to Kelly as we approach the January window.

Indeed, Uruguay defender Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Union Saint-Gilloise's Koki Machida, Benfica starlet Morato and Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio are all rumoured defender targets for Spurs from the last few weeks alone.

Another to have been mentioned sporadically is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, who is currently enjoying the best season of his Toffees career after spending last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

The Englishman has been a key player under Sean Dyche so far, so much so that he is now a top, top target for Postecoglou and new sporting director Johan Lange.

Tottenham really want Branthwaite

That information comes from Sky Sports, who say Branthwaite is really wanted by Tottenham as the 21-year-old becomes one of the club's most important defensive targets. The defender joins Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo as players they are huge fans of, but it won't be easy to prise any of them away from their clubs mid-season.

Going back to Branthwaite, he could be an excellent option taking into account age, quality and proven experience shining in the Premier League.

Likened to van de Ven by Football Transfers, the young centre-back has come on leaps and bounds since returning to Goodison Park earlier this year. He's now a mainstay under Dyche, having started 13 top-flight matches and being described as a "revelation" by members of the media like Mail journalist David Kent.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At PSV, Branthwaite earned plenty of admirers as well, like their former boss and ex-Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“He is a great talent," said van Nistelrooy (via X).

"The boy is 20, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”

A report has shared some very promising West Ham United transfer news involving Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, coming as the club hunt for Gianluca Scamacca's replacement.

Who will West Ham sign?

David Moyes will be thrilled to finally have a major signing through the door, coming after weeks of waiting.

Midfielder Edson Alvarez, after completing a switch from Eredivisie giants Ajax this window, will bolster Moyes' midfield options after they were forced to sell former star Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million.

The 25-year-old will wear the number 19 shirt and Moyes has already expressed his delight at signing Alvarez.

“We’re really pleased to add Edson to our squad,” he said to the club's official website.

“The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department. He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.

“We’re excited about welcoming to West Ham and seeing him play his part in English and European competition for the club.”

However, despite that bit of astute business, it is believed the Irons could add more midfield signings to their ranks as they also close in on a move for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The departure of Scamacca, leaving West Ham with a gaping striker hole to fill, has been at the centre of headlines recently and the east Londoners are now attempting to sign a replacement.

Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke and Arsenal's Folarin Balogun are being targeted as potential successors for Scamacca, as well as Montpellier's Wahi.

The Frenchman has caught West Ham's watchful eye with some fine Ligue 1 displays last term, and the club have now stepped up their interest.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Moyes' side have opened talks to sign Wahi, who is a man in demand, with technical director Tim Steidten being a huge fan.

Steidten believes the 20-year-old is one of Europe's best young strikers and a potentially perfect replacement for Scamacca, not to mention Michail Antonio, who is apparently "hoping to leave the Hammers for Saudi Arabia".

If the Jamaica international departs as well, it would leave West Ham even shorter of attacking options, which is where Wahi could come in.

As a result, West Ham have joined the queue of interested sides.

How good is Elye Wahi?

The young striker bagged 19 goals and five assists in 33 French top flight appearances over 2022/2023, making him a very enticing option for Moyes and co.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Wahi, who is also a target for Chelsea across London, has been lavished with praise by sections of the media for his Montpellier performances.

Journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos called him a "real beast" while backing the player to "explode" soon.

"Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said Ramos on X.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Leeds United are reportedly worried that Tyler Adams will opt to join Manchester United in the summer transfer window, should the Whites be relegated from the Premier League.

Has Adams been a key figure for Leeds?

It has been a season to forget at Elland Road and Leeds now face the likely threat of relegation to the Championship this weekend, unless they perform a memorable escape act.

Too many players have underperformed through the campaign, as has the team as a unit, but Adams has arguably been one of the few success stories. The £55,000-a-week American joined the Whites from RB Leipzig and has been a key figure, making 24 starts in the league and averaging 3.4 tackles per match.

Adams has been a huge loss through injury in recent weeks, not helping Leeds' struggles in the slightest, and he will play no part in the must-win game at home to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon. It could even be that he has played his last game for the club, if a fresh report is to believed, even though the Whites clearly want to keep hold of him.

Could Adams depart Elland Road?

According to Football Insider, Leeds "fear they have no chance of keeping hold of Adams if they are relegated", amid interest from United. The report states that "Adams is wanted by multiple clubs in the Premier League and in top European leagues, and Leeds are unlikely to keep hold of him if they go down".

The Red Devils are "among the teams keeping tabs on Adams, whose dynamism and energy in midfield has impressed their recruitment team."

In truth, it would be hard to expect Adams to stay put at Leeds if they are in the Championship next season, with loyalty one thing but top players also wanting to be performing at the highest level.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For that reason, the 24-year-old should be expected to move on if relegation does come the Whites' way, although seeing him join United would be touch to stomach, given the rivalry between the pair. The hope is that he realises that himself, and instead opts to move elsewhere and not negatively impact his relationship with Leeds supporters.

Adams would be a massive loss, as he has already been recently – journalist Henry Winter hailed him as "superb" for the USA during the 2022 World Cup – and if he does exit Elland Road, it is vital that the club use the funds wisely this summer, with a hefty fee likely to come their way.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were heavily interested in a move for Brazilian starlet Marquinhos last summer, who since signed for Arsenal in a bargain £3m deal, and must rue the failure to secure the players’ signature.

According to the Express & Star, the Old Gold had a pre-contract agreement with the player and his homeland outfit Sao Paulo, before the Gunners exploited a legal loophole and clinched the ace for themselves.

The Molineux club had even allegedly had a loan move lined up with Swiss feeder club Grasshoppers, but plans were scuppered following the eventual transfer to north London.

Marquinhos failed to break into Mikel Arteta’s first team this season, making just three starts, and has recently been loaned out to Championship outfit Norwich City to earn some valuable experience for the remainder of the campaign.

Wolves will be particularly miffed when considering that the player could have been utilised in place of winger Goncalo Guedes, who only scored two goals from 18 appearances following his £27.5m summer transfer from Valencia before being loaned out last month to SL Benfica.

In the Europa League this season, as per Sofascore, the 19-year-old Marquinhos produced an average rating of 7.40, scoring a goal – which came on his debut – and registering an assist. He further starred with 1.3 shots and 1.7 key passes per game, also completing 79% of his passes and making 1.3 tackles per outing.

And in Premier League 2, the gem scored three times and provided one assist, having been “tearing it up” – in the words of Planet Football.

And despite not earning a starting shot in the Premier League this year, the teenager is clearly demonstrating a talent embedded within his footballing DNA, one that Wolves could certainly use as they battle to stave off the threat of relegation, an added dimension of sorts, capable of offering something different.

And with Guedes indeed joining his former Portuguese outfit this winter, there is little doubt that the Brazilian starlet could have occupied his role in the team and provided cover when required.

Hailed as “the Kylian Mbappe from Cotia” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the budding talent could yet become one of Europe’s hottest commodities, with Kulig also stating the 19-year-old is “one of the fastest” footballers that he can remember witnessing in recent memory.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If Marquinhos can even reach half of the heights of the 24-year-old World Cup winner Mbappe, who has already scored 228 goals from 308 appearances at club level and 36 from just 66 outings for France, he could forge an arresting and salient name for himself, and Wolves will undoubtedly be kicking themselves for missing out on a Mbappe-esque prodigy.

While the “mobile” Marquinhos – as hailed by South American football expert Tim Vickery, is indeed largely an untested commodity in the Premier League, his skills and high ceiling could have been nurtured at Molineux, with Lopetegui – who replaced Bruno Lage as manager in November – providing the promise of greater involvement over the course of the campaign than with the Gunners, who can scarcely afford a slip as the fight for the Premier League title rages on.

With Guedes indeed now plying his trade elsewhere, Jeff Shi and co will be left with a bitter taste after failing to sign a talented young prospect for a slice of the price, and instead will now have to consider parting with even more money on another wide option to continue the resurgence under Lopetegui next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming at Manchester United is over, with it confirmed that the Portuguese superstar has severed ties with the Red Devils less than 18 months after he made an emotional return to a spiritual home.They do say ‘never go back’, and an all-time great with five Ballons d’Or to his name should have heeded that advice when mulling over his options in the summer of 2021. A 24-goal haul during his first season back in England only served to paper over cracks, with it clear for some time that something was not right.

Exploits

Frustration came to the boil in 2022, as a push for the exits was made during another summer transfer window, and ultimately spilled over in an explosive interview that burned any remaining bridges.

It became abundantly clear that Ronaldo’s heart was no longer in Manchester as attention turned to international matters. HisÂexploits in QatarÂhave placed his nation among the favourites in the World Cup odds 2022,Âwith Portugal priced at 10/1Âto chase down a global crown.

During the early stages of that tournament, United announced that a lucrative contract at Old Trafford had been torn up. Ronaldo then came out andÂsuggested that the Red Devils still hold some place in his heart: “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.â€

The obvious question at that point was, where will Ronaldo end up next? Various landing spots had already been speculated on before the worst-kept secret in football was revealed. Destinations from Saudi Arabia to the United States have been mooted, while there is still a chance that a Premier League suitor could emerge.

If a modern-day great were to remain in English football, then he could be finding himself lining up against United in the not-too-distant future. Even a return to his roots at Sporting could see paths crossed with familiar faces, with both sides still in the hunt for Europa League glory in 2022-23.

Facing the Red Devils would be nothing new for Ronaldo, as he has turned out against them on five previous occasions in competitive fixtures – while a famous friendly appearance for Sporting back in 2003 allowed him to catch the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and earn a career-defining move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Success

Ronaldo first crossed swords with United as an established superstar while with Real Madrid in 2013, scoring in both legs of a Champions League last-16 encounter. He also savoured UEFA Super Cup success against the Red Devils while in Spain and netted against them again in European competition when at Juventus in 2018.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Celebrations with the Blancos and Bianconeri were understandably muted, with promises having been made not to go full ‘SIUUU’ mode when facing a side that had done so much for him, but it remains to be seen whether he would be so respectful if another meeting with United were to be taken in.

Photo by Unsplash

Liverpool finally look set to find the solution to their midfield problems…

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Jurgen Klopp could now complete a U-turn on his claims regarding a deadline day move for a midfielder.

Writing on Twitter, the ever-reliable journalist claimed: “Liverpool are closing in on deal to sign Arthur Melo from Juventus. Full agreement on the salary, work now in progress for medical later.”

He then issued another update: “Medical scheduled in the afternoon for Arthur Melo as Liverpool and Juventus are closing on final details of loan deal for Brazilian midfielder. NO buy option as things stand.”

Imagine him & Fabinho

This marks another shrewd piece of business from Klopp, who has not panicked in the face of a few injuries. His calculated approach has led to this move, where Liverpool will get a well-rounded midfielder who can partner his compatriot Fabinho perfectly.

What instantly jumps out about the “incredible” Arthur – in the words of Thomas Vermaelen – is his outstanding ball retention, and his desperation to keep recycling possession until a real chance opens up.

This is outlined in his pass completion percentage, of which he ranks in the top 3% for midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues.

However, combined with his similarly impressive progressive passes and carries, of which he ranks in the top 20% and 17%, he clearly is willing to spring forward and attack when the opportunity arises.

To place him alongside Fabinho, who also boasts an 89.1% pass completion rate, it could be a match made in heaven.

It would also relieve some of the defensive burden held by the Liverpool man, who currently averages 2.67 tackles and 2.06 interceptions per 90.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arthur is not wholly defensive minded but chipping in with his 2.12 tackles will certainly help Klopp’s benefit tough-tackling style.

Alongside one another, these Brazilians could dominate many matches with their impressive physicality and mastery of keeping the ball.

It could be one of Klopp’s most important signings, to bring in a vastly experienced international, especially given all the injuries he is currently contending with in midfield. He and Fabinho could be integral to any chances Liverpool have of trophies this season.

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing Burnley defender Nathan Collins this summer, although they are not alone in expressing an interest.

The Lowdown: Collins impresses for Burnley

The Clarets may have been relegated from the Premier League last season but Collins was one of his side’s better performers throughout the campaign.

The 21-year-old filled in impressively when the likes of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee were missing, making 19 appearances in the league in total and ranking as the club’s fourth best player.

With Burnley preparing for Championship football in 2022/23, it could be that Collins remains in the top flight moving forward.

The Latest: Villa keen on move

According to talkSPORT, Villa are ‘monitoring’ the centre-back’s situation, with his current deal at Turf Moor not expiring until the summer of 2025.

New Burnley boss Vincent Kompany wants to build his defence around Collins, following the departure of Tarkowski and Mee, but he could find it hard to keep him, with Leeds United and Wolves also credited with interest.

The Verdict: Strong squad addition

At 21, Collins would come in a long-term signing with a bright future ahead of him, having been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Sean Dyche, as well as winning four caps for the Republic of Ireland – he even scored an incredible solo goal for his country this week.

He would provide immediate competition for the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, bringing a dominant presence that is highlighted by an average of 3.1 aerial duel wins per game in the league last season.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It is hard to see a player of Collins’ quality and potential playing in the Championship and Steven Gerrard should do his utmost to bring him in, gradually turning him into a regular over time.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Villa claim. Read more here.

Pep Guardiola will have to endure a double defensive setback in Manchester City’s quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid.

The Lowdown: City’s UCL form

Sky Blues fans will be hoping for a strong start to the Champions League quarter-finals in which City kick off their first-leg against Madrid in tonight’s clash at the Etihad.

City destroyed Sporting Lisbon in the opening leg of round 16 with an emphatic 5-0 win, before coasting to a 0-0 stalemate in the return fixture.

Guardiola will be aiming to make amends for his side’s loss in the final last year, in which they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments-2/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Guardiola’s team news

The Catalan boss is set to face a defensive headache in his team selection tonight as both Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker are unavailable for the game, after the latest team news emerged from Manchester Evening News.

Man City will be without centre-back stalwart Dias, who has been missing for around a month now, as the manager confirmed on Friday that he would need another ten days to two weeks to get back up to full fitness.

Walker will also serve the last of his three-match ban against the Spanish outfit, following his red card which he sustained against RB Leipzig.

The Verdict: Dias will be missed

Guardiola’s men will be ready to face a tough Madrid side tonight, who have scored 57 goals in La Liga this season – the Premier League leaders have been solid defensively in the English campaign, having lost just three top-flight games and conceded a mere 18 goals.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Despite this, City would have been hoping that Dias could have made his return in time for the opening leg, as he has been a key figure in the side’s defensive success. He has earned himself praise as “a man mountain”, who could be considered “the best centre back in the world”, with fellow defender John Stones hailing his ‘outstanding’ impact.

The boss will have been praying throughout the international break that his defensive leader could have returned early enough to play tonight, but it looks as though Stones and Aymeric Laporte will have to step up.

In other news: Manchester City: Pep Guardiola in awe of Ilkay Gundogan

Aston Villa have introduced a new manager, with Steven Gerrard joining the club in November, and he will surely be confident going into his first Premier League winter transfer window, making his own mark on the squad.

Gerrard has been in charge of the side for seven games, with four wins for the Villains so far climbing from 16th to 10th since his arrival, and has had the opportunity to work with the current crop of players at Villa Park to determine his next moves in the upcoming transfer window.

He recently spoke to Birmingham Live to offer an insight to his plans for January;

“In terms of the January window, there’s obviously conversations at Villa and there always will be behind the scenes identifying areas where we can improve.”

Time to go

One player who is expected to be axed in the winter transfer window is striker, Wesley Moraes, who has been on loan at Club Brugge for the first half of the season, struggling to make an impact on the Belgian side with no goals or assists in his seven appearances.

The centre forward suffered a horrific ACL injury back in January 2020, when he was playing for Aston Villa, which saw him injured for almost 18 months, making his return in April 2021, and being sent out on loan to Club Brugge a few months later.

He is now linked with a move to one of two Brazilian clubs, Sao Paolo or Internacional, who are both rumoured to be interested in the £35K-p/w gem and it could really be a blessing in disguise for Gerrard, as he will be looking to free up funds so that he can spend on players he wants to add into his Aston Villa team of the future.

Rumours of a replacement

Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, has been heavily linked with Aston Villa and a number of other Premier League clubs for that matter, including Newcastle United, West Ham, Arsenal and Everton.

The Flamengo forward has offered a much better output in his most recent season for his club compared to Villa flop, Wesley, with an impressive 29 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances, and has quite rightly grabbed the attention of Premier League clubs desperate to add goals and creativity to their side.

Flamengo legend, Zico, claimed Gabigol “has everything” in an interview: “I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Reports suggest that the goal machine would costs around £17m, but with the competition so broad across a number of Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested in securing Gabigol’s signature, it could be a battle of the highest bidder.

The Villa boss would surely welcome a striker with the volume of goals Barbosa has scored for his Rio De Janeiro based club at Villa Park, as he continues to attempt to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season, in the hopes he will be able to repair the damage done before his arrival to the club last month.

In other news: Gerrard dealt a blow in securing transfer target