West Ham United do not have any European competition for the signing of Internazionale striker Gabriel Barbosa, according to Sportitalia journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
What’s the story?
There is supposedly no other European side showing an interest in the man often known as Gabigol, aside from the Hammers.
Various other clubs have been linked with the Brazilian, with an example being that The Express reporting he was previously a target for Chelsea.
However, it seems as though that interest has now been dropped, giving West Ham a free run at getting their man.
West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee has also confirmed that the Hammers are interested in signing Barbosa, while speaking on the West Ham Way Podcast 163, claiming that there are multiple agents working on the deal.
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A goal threat
Considering the lack of competition for his signature, there are no excuses for West Ham not to go out and sign the 23-year-old if they truly want him.
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They should definitely be looking into this with the club in need of more goals. Aside from Sebastien Haller, they have Michail Antonio who has been converted to a frontman and Albian Ajeti who is still yet to score a single goal for the club.
Barbosa has shown in recent times that he can contribute to goals on a regular basis, having produced a very impressive 34 goals and 11 assists from 41 games for Flamengo, across the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A.
That tally includes both of Flamengo’s goals in their 2-1 victory against River Plate, to secure the continental crown for the Brazilian club.
His failure to make a breakthrough at Inter could be cited as a reason not to sign the Brazilian, but he wasn’t exactly given much of a chance by I Nerazzurri, making nine substitute appearances and one start for the club, from which he got one goal.
This is an opportunity for West Ham to sign a striker who has been prolific this campaign, and it is one they should not pass up.
Meanwhile, West Ham should not allow themselves to be held to ransom in their pursuit of a midfielder.
