Arsenal transfer rumour: Gunners make official bid for Santos star Gabriel Barbosa dubbed 'new Neymar'

Arsenal are considering an approach in signing Santos star Gabriel Barbosa this summer. The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing in a player to strengthen his side's strike force for the 2016/17 season.

The Frenchman was keen on bringing Jamie Vardy to the Emirates after triggering his release clause. However, the England international snubbed advances from the north London club and signed a new deal at Leicester City in order to continue at the King Power Stadium.

According to ESPN Brasil, Wenger has now turned his attention to signing Gabriel in order to bolster his side's attack for the new campaign. Arsenal have tabled an official offer as they look to bring him to the Premier League.

The 19-year-old has offers from China as the Asian outfit Hebei China were willing to pay a lucrative fee and also wages in order to secure his signature. However, the player is not keen on joining them and has set his sights on joining Wenger's side.

Arsenal's project and offer fit Gabriel's requirements and he is willing to make a switch to Europe in the summer transfer window. He has admitted to have received several offers from top European clubs and has left it to his parents and Santos to decide on his future.

"Yes, I have offers from some of the big clubs in Europe that interest me, but that is for my parents and my employers, but I am happy at Santos. That will sort itself out in time. Santos is my home, but we will make a calm decision," Gabriel said.

He broke into Santos' first team in 2013 and since then he has already bagged over 50 goals for his club. Gabriel's form has seen him make it to the Brazil squad and he was part of the national side that suffered a disappointing exit from the group stages of the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

The Sun reports the attacker has a £40m ($53.1m) release clause in his contract. Gabriel's style of play has seen him being compared to Barcelona's star and he is dubbed the "New Neymar." The La Liga star also moved to the Catalan club from Santos and his compatriot could follow him to Europe, after coming up through the ranks of the Brazilian side.