Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Gabriel Barbosa.
Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim has told Calciomercato that the club are in ‘constant contact’ with Inter Milan about a deal for striker Gabriel Barbosa.
Barbosa, 23, was touted as Brazil’s next big thing when he was emerging with Santos, and 57 goals in 157 games earned him a big move to Europe with Inter Milan.
However, his time in Italy hasn’t really gone to plan, scoring just once in 10 games, and he has spent most of his time with Inter out on loan at other clubs.
After a dismal stint with Benfica, ‘Gabigol’ smashed 27 goals in 53 games back at Santos, and has somehow improved with Flamengo, scoring 35 goals in 48 games.
Barbosa’s exploits have made him a hot property, even if Inter don’t want him. Sky Sports claimed last week that Tottenham Hotspur are keen, after sending Steve Hitchen on a scouting mission to Brazil.
Spurs may look for another striker to take some pressure off Harry Kane, and Barbosa fits the bill, even if he’d be a gamble based on his European struggles.
Now, Flamengo president Landim has admitted that negotiations are ongoing, with ‘constant contact’ between the two clubs in an effort to get a deal done, but did note that no deal is done yet, potentially giving Spurs hope.
“For the moment there is no news, but we are negotiating with Inter,” said Landim. “Negotiations are at a preliminary stage. Do we want to buy him outright? Yes, of course. He is doing very well for us.”
“We have been in constant contact for a few weeks, I don’t know if at the moment there is a definite appointment to close, but we are talking about it,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
