Barcelona’s search for a new striker may be over, after the Spanish giants turned to Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa, per Marca.

Barca’s technical secretary Robert Fernandez has reportedly traveled to South America to take a closer look at a trio of talents, including Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel and his team-mate Lucas Lima.

Per Globoesporte (h/t Football Espana), with Gabriel Jesus’ move to Manchester City for a bumper fee set to be completed in the coming days, the Liga and Copa del Rey winners have now moved their attention on to the 19-year-old attacker known as “Gabigol.”

Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror confirms there is competition for his signature from Italian champions Juventus:

Per Marca, Barca’s focus on recruiting a back-up attacker from Europe to complement South American trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar has ultimately failed, with the club now turning to the continent of their key players for reinforcements.

Gabriel Barbosa, a talented striker blessed with a rare calmness in front of goal and wonderful technical ability, remains high on the list of possible signings. The teenager has steadily become a fan favourite at the Sao Paulo club after making his debut at the tender age of 16, per Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror.

Take a look at some of the highlights of Gabriel in a Santos shirt:

Per Simon Kuper of ESPN FC, Gabigol is often regarded as the heir to Neymar’s throne at Santos due to his directness and goalscoring talents.

Naturally a quick passer and shooter in comparison to the norm in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, it is his ice-cold demeanour inside the 18-yard box that allows him to stand out.

His instinctive ability to find the back of the net is an attractive trait, and the youngster appears ready to make the move away from his boyhood club.

Gabriel recently confirmed at a media conference that he is readying himself for a departure, saying: “I am not signed yet, I am a Santos and Brazil player. I am very happy to represent Santos here. Soon, things are going to be sorted. Our focus is only here. Before we came, I was in negotiations, and starting from then I left it with my father and my representatives. I think that soon a decision is going to be taken.”

OptaFranz noted his impressive goalscoring statistics ahead of any potential move:

Barcelona fans will be able to watch the prospective signing this summer at the Olympic Games in Rio, after he was named in Tite’s national squad. 

Elsewhere, Martin Montoya’s 17-year connection with Barcelona is set to be brought to an end when he signs for Valencia on a free transfer, per Marca (via Football Espana).

The 25-year-old right-back has reportedly left the Blaugrana’s pre-season training camp in order to complete the move and will not be involved when Luis Enrique’s side take on Scottish champions Celtic in the 2016 International Champions Cup on Saturday.

Instead, Montoya will return to Spain to seal a deal with Pako Ayestaran’s side. Expected to play a more inclusive role this term following the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Barcelona have agreed to terminate the former Spain youth international’s contract. 

He previously spent part of the 2015-16 season on loan at Serie A outfit Inter Milan, while he also had a brief spell at Liga side Real Betis during last year’s campaign.

Montoya will end his long-term relationship with the Catalan club with 52 appearances to his name in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

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