This 23-year-old Brazilian is living the high life. He has scored 25 goals in 26 games in 2021-22
Switzerland is not a world-famous football powerhouse. However, it does have close links to the history of Barcelona and could provide the Blaugrana’s next star striker.
Hans (or Joan) Gamper was the former Basel striker who took the first steps to establish FC Barcelona in Catalunya in 1899. The two sides still share their distinctive red-and-blue colours more than 100 years later, and Gamper is one of the most significant figures in Barca’s long, rich history.
Another Basel favorite, Arthur Cabral, may make the same move. He is looking to capitalize on his extraordinary form in the Alpine country to get into football’s elite.
Arthur, 23 years old, is having a great season in front the goal in his third year of European football.
In 26 games, he has scored 25 goals. He also provided eight assists for Basel’s domestic title challenge and hopes to make an impact on the UEFA Conference League.
This impressive record earned him his first call up to Tite’s Brazil setup in October. However, he didn’t see much time on the field.
The Brazilian is a direct, skilled player who can play with or without the ball, and has an apparent natural scoring instinct.
Barca is one admirer. It was revealed in November by Barca that the Catalans have weighed up a proposal worth EUR15million for Cabral. Deco, a compatriot of Barca, has been charged with ensuring that negotiations go through.
Martin Braithwaite is out injured, Sergio Aguero’s future uncertain after being diagnosed as having a heart arrhythmia. Xavi urgently needs more firepower at centre-forward. The club’s goal for the transfer is to complete it as soon as possible.
They are not the only ones interested. West Ham is also interested in the ex-Ceara striker and Palmeiras striker. Newcastle United has identified Cabral as a possible solution to their goalscoring problems that could help them get out of relegation trouble.
This is a remarkable achievement for a player, who four years ago took his first steps in professional soccer in Brazil’s second-tier.
Cabral rose through the Ceara youth ranks in the north-east Brazil. He was promoted to the top flight in 2017, ending a five-year run in Serie B.
Another landmark season was achieved by the young prospect. Arthur scored 11 goals in Ceara’s state championship title to secure their title. His seven Serie A goals proved crucial in ensuring safety from relegation. He also convinced Palmeiras, the giants of Sao Paulo, to add him to their ranks in 2019.