KEY POINTS

  • Serie A giants still have to agree terms with the 19-year-old starlet.
  • Barcelona could block deal as they have a preference option over Brazilian youngster.

Juventus look in prime position to secure the services of much sought-after Gabriel Barbosa after Santos accepted the club's €20m (£16.8m, $22m) offer to lure the Brazilian sensation to Serie A. Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with his services during the current transfer window but the Bianconeri could finally win the race should the 19-year-old agree personal terms. But Barcelona could scupper the deal as the La Liga giants have a preference option over the forward as part of the deal that saw Neymar move to the Nou Camp in 2013.

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Barbosa, known as Gabigol in his homeland, is set to represent his country in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after having garnered a reputation as one of the most promising talents to emerge from Brazilian football.

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Earlier in June ESPN Brasil reported that Arsenal had launched an offer to lure the forward to the Emirates as Arsene Wenger continues his search to bolster his attack.

Daily Mirror has also claimed that Chelsea had joined the race as new manager Antonio Conte had given his approval to make a £25m offer for the player, with Gabigol said to fancy a move to the Premier League.

But Juventus now seem to be favourites to capture the Brazilian talent after Santos president Modesto Roma confirmed his club had already accepted a €20m offer for the player to move to Serie A. Yet, the deal will not be as easy as Juventus also need to convince the player and his agents to move to the Vecchia Signora as Santos do not own 100% of his rights.

Gabriel Barbosa
Gabigol has scored five goals in his last 10 games for Santos Getty

"We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol's agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms," Modesto Roma confirmed to Globoesporte.

Even if the forward accepts the proposal Barcelona will still have the final word on the deal as they can outbid other suitors to sign the player due to a first refusal agreement when they signed former Gabigol's teammate Neymar from Santos.

"If they think it's interesting, then we'll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona." Modesto added.

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