AC Milan inquire about former Inter flop
AC Milan have contacted Inter about Gabigol. The 22 year old Brazilian striker returns to Italy after his fruitful loan at Santos.
As widely reported AC Milan are chasing a striker for January. Sporting director Leonardo recently declared that fan favorite Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not arrive while Fabio Quagliarella is close to renewing with Sampdoria. Now the Brazilian has set his sights on compatriot Gabigol.
According to Sportmediaset, Leonardo contacted Inter and inquired on the availability of 22 year old striker. In January his loan at Santos ends and Gabigol (whose real name is Gabriel Barbosa) must return to base. His return in the Brazilian Serie A has been quite fruitful and in 2018 Gabigol made 53 appearances, scoring 27 goals along the way. A regenerated player that is in search of a new chance in Europe’s top league. The Chinese ownership of Inter, however, had rejected AC Milan’s advancements for two reasons.
Sportmediaset reports that despite the fact that the striker is not part of Inter’s plans, Suning does not want to sell him on loan but on a permanent basis although interest in the Brazilian is not that high. Another motive is the usual one when it comes to transfers between two rival teams: Inter would not want to see one of their former players breakthrough with the Red and Black jersey. That’s why the Gabigol idea is destined to remain such, just like Ibrahimovic and Quagliarella.
Gabigol at Inter
These days social media activity sparked rumors on the issue. On an Instagram photo by Lucas Paqueta, Gabigol himself commented: “I’m coming brother“, in reference to his arrival in Milano. Many have interpreted it as a clue from the transfer market, when in reality the Brazilian reminded his close friend that soon he would return to the Lombard capital, as his loan at Santos ends in 1 January. Leonardo will have to look for other profiles.