If you believe the latest Arsenal transfer rumours, which is always a risky business by the way, then it looks like Arsene Wenger is making a determined effort to sign the young Brazil international striker Gabriel Barbosa from Santos. But even if we do sign the 19-year old I still feel that Arsenal will be looking to complete the transfer of another forward before the new Premier League season begins.
For one thing we have Metro reporting that the talented young player dubbed by some as Gabigol and others as the new Neymar is heading to the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro where he will hope to continue his excellent international start and add to the two goals he has scored in four games so far.
That would mean that he might not be done with international duty until August 20th when the final takes place. That is also the date of our second Premier League match against Leicester City after the opener against Liverpool, so there is no way that Wenger could think this was a good way to start the season for Arsenal.
There is also the matter of his youth and inexperience and our manager is old and ugly enough to know that even the best players are unlikely to hit the ground running after such a move. Like I say, though, I think we would be getting a really good prospect but if the Gunners are to make a proper go of winning the title this year then another more experienced and proven striker is a must, especially with Danny Welbeck out with injury and Olivier Giroud possibly coming back late from Euro 2016.
So will it be Gabriel Barbosa plus one coming to the Arsenal party this summer?
Bob.