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According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham United want to sign Inter Milan forward Gabriel Barbosa.

What's the story?

Gabriel has seemingly got his career back on track at Santos, having scored 27 times in 53 appearances whilst back on loan at the Brazilian club.

The Brazilian will see his loan with Santos expire at the end of this month, however, and is heading back to parent club Inter, who have struggled to see the best of the attacker.

Indeed, Inter signed Gabriel from Santos in August 2016, but he has only made 10 first-team appearances for the Italian outfit, scoring just once in the process.

According to Di Marzio, 'several English teams' are interested in Gabriel, but West Ham currently lead the race for the talented South American.

The Hammers are fairly well-stocked in the final third following the return of Andy Carroll, but there is no question that the club should attempt to sign Gabriel if he is indeed interested in a switch to English football.

What would Gabriel bring to West Ham?

An unsuccessful loan spell at Benfica preceded a move back to Santos, and the forward has certainly found his shooting boots once again.

Gabriel is only 22 years old, and his overall record in professional football stands at 85 goals in 222 first-team appearances, which is very impressive.

He has also scored twice in four appearances for the Brazilian national team, and will be hoping for a recall in time for the 2022 World Cup.

The 5ft 9in ace has a lot to prove as he prepares to return to Europe, and whilst Inter might not want him, there are plenty of teams who will be monitoring developments.

The chance to link-up with fellow Brazilian Felipe Anderson in London will appeal to the Inter attacker though, and those two could form some partnership in the final third.

Gabriel is a very talented footballer. It has not worked out at Inter, but a move to West Ham could be just what the striker needs at this stage of his career.