Juventus have £16.8million bid accepted by Santos for Chelsea target Gabriel Barbosa
JUVENTUS have had a £16.8million bid accepted by Santos for Chelsea target, Gabriel Barbosa, according to reports in Brazil.
The 19-year-old Samba starlet — nicknamed Gabigol — appeared to be on the verge of moving to Stamford Bridge.
However, Brazilian daily, , reveal Juve’s offer has been accepted and the player must now make a decision on whether to move to the Serie A champions — while Barcelona have first refusal.
Luis Enrique could yet be tempted to match Juventus’ bid as his search for a striker goes on.
Santos own 40 per cent of Gabigol’s economic rights and will net a cool £15m should the deal go through — with the rest going to the player.
Club president, Modesto Roma, explains: “We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, player’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [player’s parents] with the terms [of the bid].
“Santos is now waiting to see their position.
“If they are interested, we will proceed with the next steps — which includes consulting Barcelona.”
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Roma added that, while he wants to keep Gabigol at the club, he accepts the club must comply with clauses in his transfer.
He added: “There is a clause which needs to be met.
“I would prefer that he stays, without doubt, but it’s not up to me as a president.
“It’s up to me to adhere to the contract.
“We are informed that the decision is no longer in Santos’ hands [but with the family and agent].”
Ribeiro, is also the agent of Neymar and Robinho — both whom graduated from the Santos academy before moving to big European clubs.
Gabigol is currently Brazil's as the squad prepares for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
He was also part of the Copa America party — scoring once — as they crashed out at the group stage.
Gabigol would be the second striker Juventus sign this summer following the £79m capture of Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli.