Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2awLLhF
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2awLLhF
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2awLLhF
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

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With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aSLMip
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

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