The January transfer window is only just around the corner and Arsenal remain linked with a number of names throughout world football.
One of those that appears to have caught the eye is that of former Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa.
Otherwise known as 'Gabigol' for his trademark finishing and wonderful goalscoring record, and having been compared to Neymar in the past, it is being reported that the Gunners are interested in the forward but face competition from a host of clubs for his signature.
News of more interest in the Brazilian’s services might worry Arsenal should they choose to pursue his signature but the club’s technical director Edu might well be confident considering their history with Barbosa’s current employers Flamengo.
Going back to the January 2020 transfer window, the Gunners were also in discussions with the Brazilian outfit for the loan signing of Spanish defender Pablo Mari. He was signed on loan until the end of the 2019/20 season to bolster the Arsenal defence and eventually ended up making three appearances.
Whilst Mari was not afforded all too many opportunities, he had done enough to secure a permanent transfer to the Emirates Stadium and has gone on to make a further 16 outings for the Gunners since his switch.
Arsenal then will surely hope to replicate those successful negotiations with Flamengo as they attempt to seal the signing of Barbosa - who was Mari’s teammate during the 2019 campaign as the club sealed the Brazilian Serie A title, as well as the Copa Libertadores.
It goes without saying then that the Spanish defender could play a role in bringing Barbosa to the Emirates Stadium should he have a quiet word in his ear.
On the topic of Gabriel’s former and current teammates, the striker also currently plays with David Luiz, with the defender having sealed a switch back to his homeland after leaving Arsenal. Whilst not quite having had the best time with the Gunners, the former Chelsea man could certainly give his former club a welcome reference.
Barbosa, though, may think that a switch is currently in his best interests - even without a chat with his former or current teammates.
As it stands, there are just three matchdays of the current season left to play in Brazil - with the league campaign set to conclude on December 9.
With play not expected to get back underway until mid-April, Barbosa may want to move elsewhere in order for regular football, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
With the January transfer window also only just around the corner, Arsenal have a few useful weapons in an effort to sign the Brazilian striker sooner rather than later.
