The agent of new Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral has claimed that he held video meetings with Newcastle over a potential January move for his client. The 23-year-old was in high demand, after scoring 27 goals in 31 games.
Indeed, his form has been stellar this season, proving to be a goal machine for Swiss side FC Basel. With Dusan Vlahovic leaving La Viola for Juventus, a replacement was needed and Fiorentina have swooped to sign Cabral.
The striker joined Fiorentina for a deal that could reach £14million (Football Italia), a potential bargain for a player with a near goal-a-game ratio this term. However, unsurprisingly, interest in the striker was rife.
Cabral, who has been called up by Brazil of late given his form, was the subject of an enquiry and video meetings according to his agent Luis Portela. But a move to Fiorentina to replace Vlahovic tempted him more.
“The Newcastle sporting director contacted me for information on a possible deal and we did some video conferences. The president of Zenit, and Wolfsburg [were also in talks],” Portela told Fiorentina.It.
Newcastle eyed Cabral: £14m fee would have been an utter bargain
But, it would have been a risk. Cabral is clearly a player who knows how to find the back of the net – shining for Basel, and in the Conference League this season. However, he does not know the Premier League.
Indeed, the highest level of football he has played is the Swiss Premier League. So, while £14million would have made a move a bargain for a player of his quality – he might have struggled in the Premier League.
Newcastle instead brought in Chris Wood and while the target man cost £11million more, and is seven years older than Cabral at 30, he is what they need right now. A proven, Premier League striker who is ready to fight.
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