An update has emerged on Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, regarding Everton's interest in his services.

What's the talk?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Everton manager Rafa Benitez is keeping tabs on Flamengo centre-forward Gabriel Barbosa.

The former Newcastle boss is going in search of additions to his squad before the end of the window and has identified the Brazilian striker as a potential target.

Get it done

Marcel Brands must get a deal done for Barbosa this summer as he could complete Everton's attack. The Toffees already have James Rodriguez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, but the Flamengo forward could be the missing piece to form a mouth-watering front four.

Imagine a 4-3-3 variation with Rodriguez as the most advanced of the midfield three behind Barbosa on the right, Calvert-Lewin through the middle and Richarlison on the left. That could be a lethal strike force for Benitez, especially given Gabigol's record for Flamengo.

The ex-Inter man has 68 goals and 18 assists in 96 appearances for the club, including 14 goals and assists in 15 games in the 2020/21 campaign. He has shown that he can score goals at an eye-catching rate, whilst he also has the versatility to play as a striker, on either wing, or as an attacking midfielder. This means that Benitez could utilise him in a variety of ways and have flexibility with his frontline options.

Former Brazil international Zico once claimed Barbosa “has everything” and said that he can make himself one of the greats with Flamengo. He told O Dia (via TNT Sports):

“I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history. It’s getting there. His performance got better and better, consolidating himself as one of the greats.

“He’s already gone down in history. He is young and can do much more, and hopefully, he can do it. Doing this is always good to give joy to the Rubro-Negro fan and, logically, we always expect this from a guy who has the potential that he has.”

This is why Brands must swoop for the Brazilian this summer, as he is highly rated in Brazil and his statistics back up the hype.

He has shown that he is too good for the league he is currently playing in with his sublime goalscoring record and Everton fans would love to see him showing off his skills alongside the club's current forwards.

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