Is Arsenal’s summer strike target about to snub them for Chelsea?
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Arsene Wenger may have fallen short in his pursuit to bring Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Barbosa to Arsenal, but the Frenchman could still end up seeing the striker play at the Emirates next season…when Chelsea visit north London.
New Blues boss Antonio Conte is now being hotly tipped to secure a deal for the Santos star, who has already netted 55 times for Alvinegro Praiano at the tender age of 19, picking up two Campeonato Paulista titles along the way.
And having now broken into the Brazil set-up, scoring just nine minutes into his debut against Panama in May, Chelsea’s gaffer would be wise to make a move for the man nicknamed ‘Gabigol’ sooner than later, with more impressive displays for club and country certain to see his price tag skyrocket.
With his market value estimated at £12.75m by Transfermarkt.co.uk, the Blues wouldn’t have to break the bank for Gabriel’s signature this summer.
And, with on-loan frontmen Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato having both headed back to their parent clubs, attacking reinforcements will surely be the order of the day at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are 11/2 third-favourites to win this season’s Premier League, though that price could well tumble if they can add this brilliant Brazilian to their ranks.
Conte’s men are 4/7 for an opening-day victory over West Ham at the Bridge, but will Blues fans need a Gabrigol chant ready for the first London derby of the season?
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
