Arsenal launch bid to sign £40m-rated Brazil and Santos star

Arsenal have reportedly made a move for Brazil international forward Gabriel Barbosa, according to ESPN Brazil (via the Metro).

The Premier League side, who finished second in the English top-flight standings last month after pipping North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the runners-up spot on the final day of term, are interested in luring the highly-rated Santos forward to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal boss Wenger – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 19-year-old, who has four international caps for his country after making his Brazil debut against Panama back in late-May, has scored 54 goals in 148 appearances for the Brazilian outfit since making his first-team bow back in 2013.

Gabriel, who was included in his nation’s Copa America squad, is now being heavily linked with a move to the Gunners following his impressive rise into the senior Brazil side.

The report suggests that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already made an ‘official move’ for the bright prospect, who is understood to have a release clause of £40m in his current deal with Santos.