---
title: "West Ham reignite Barbosa interest – and a striker is desperately needed"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2019/10/03/west-ham-reignite-barbosa-interest-and-a-striker-is-desperately-needed/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Turk"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-10-03T19:00:08Z"
modified: "2019-10-03T19:00:08Z"
---

# West Ham reignite Barbosa interest – and a striker is desperately needed

West Ham United were strongly linked with a move for Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa – a.k.a. Gabigol – during the summer, but a move never came to fruition.

The Brazilian star is on loan at Flamengo until the end of December and has netted 32 goals in his last 43 games, form which has seen the same links resurface.

According to [FC Inter News](https://www.fcinternews.it/esclusive/fcin-gabigol-inarrestabile-tra-reti-e-selecao-il-prezzo-e-lievitato-e-il-west-ham-ci-pensa-seriamente-318791) – the same outlet that reported West Ham’s interest in the close season – his recent form has rekindled Manuel Pellegrini’s desire to bring him to the London Stadium.

The report also claims Antonio Conte will be willing to let Barbosa leave Inter for £22.5million in January.

![Buda Mendes/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2019/10/1178681130.jpg)

### Read West Ham’s verdict

After losing all five of last season’s strikers in the summer, West Ham are in serious need to top-quality support for Sebastien Haller.

The Hammers’ record signing can’t spearhead the attack by himself all season if objectives are to be achieved, and Albian Ajeti doesn’t yet seem up to the task of being a reliable Premier League goalscorer.

Barbosa is certainly available and would most likely jump at the chance to play alongside former Santos team-mate Felipe Anderson in England.

This transfer just makes perfect sense. West Ham need goals and the 23-year-old would certainly provide them.