Chelsea, out the blue, have joined the race to sign Brazil’s highly talented striker Gabriel Barbosa. According to reports from Brazil (sounds legit, isn’t it), the Blues have reportedly submitted a €30m bid for the striker who is commonly known by the monicker “Gabigol”.

The young striker is only 19 but he is rated highly in his native land and in some quarters often his talents are being compared with Barcelona superstar Neymar. Gabriel was part of Dunga’s Brazil squad for Copa America Centenario and he even scored a goal in Brazil’s 7-1 win over Haiti.

The youngster is reluctant to leave the shores of Sao Paolo as yet but will consider offers from top European clubs. He has a contract with Santos till 2019 but the Brazilian club want him to sign an extension to the present deal till 2021. Gabriel, fully aware of the interest for him from top European clubs, has yet to sign a new deal (smart thinking from the Brazil striker) with his parent club.

Serie A giants Juventus have also reportedly submitted an offer but it was far too below Santos’ valuation. Premier League giants Arsenal are also reportedly interested in him with Arsene Wenger looking to sign a top striker ahead of 2016/17 season but the Gunners haven’t made any formal move for the striker yet.

Modesto Junior Roma, the president of Santos, is demanding a fee in the region of €30m, the amount Chelsea have submitted for the player. In theory, Santos should not have any problem accepting the offer from the Blues since it matches their valuation.

The problem remains with Gabriel who is unsure about his future. He is not too keen to leave his native land so early in his career but at the same time understands that club like Chelsea won’t knock at his door every single time.

Santos have started negotiating with the player and even they made it official that Gabriel has agreed to sign a contract extension with them, only later the player refuted such claims. The player and his representatives with meet the club president later this week to know the outcome of the negotiation.

It is still unclear whether Santos have accepted the bid from Chelsea. It is highly possible they haven’t because they probably believe the player will sign a contract extension with them, sooner or later. And if Gabriel still refuses to commit his future with Santos he could be on his way to London.