According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United are keen to sign Inter Milan forward Gabriel Barbosa on loan, but they are worried that red tape could stop the move from happening.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Irons manager Slaven Bilic is desperate to strengthen his attacking options this summer following a disappointing debut campaign in the London Stadium, as well as continued fitness issues over strikers Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho.
The east London outfit are keen on a deal for Barbosa, who is available on loan just a year after joining the Serie A giants from Santos in a £26m deal, according to The Mirror.
However, the report adds that his lack of game time for Inter and Brazil – he has four caps for his country but none of them have come in the last 12 months – could mean that they struggle to get a work permit for the 20-year-old.
How did he do in his first season with Inter?
It was a struggle for the Brazilian, and he made just one start in the Coppa Italia and featured in 10 matches in total.
The 20-year-old had to make an impact from the substitutes’ bench in Serie A, and even though he scored against Bologna in February, he spent just 111 minutes on the field and that is nowhere near enough to have an impact and get used to the league.
In that respect, it is clear to see why Inter are keen to loan him out to get some more regular playing time next term.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
It would certainly be a risk and his spell with Inter would suggest that he is struggling to adapt to life in Europe, but he does look to have huge potential.
Able to play all across the front three, Barbosa made his breakthrough at Santos in the 2014 and 2015 seasons when he scored 42 goals in 112 games for the Brazilian side, and it was form that led him to make four appearances for his country – in which he netted twice – while he was also key to their victory at the 2016 Olympic Games after scoring twice in six games.
Known for his technical skills, flair and creativity, he is a player that would certainly get the fans at the London Stadium off of their seats.
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