Why Chelsea must beat West Ham to sign Gabriel Barbosa

Frank Lampard has identified Gabriel Barbosa as his top transfer target for January and is keen for Chelsea to sign the Inter Milan forward this month, according to the Sun.

Brazil international Barbosa caught the eye of Lampard after scoring both of Flamengo’s goals in the Copa Libertadores final earlier this season. He is currently out on loan with the club.

A prolific goalscorer in Brazil’s Serie A, Barbosa has scored 70 goals in 112 appearances for Flamengo and former club Santos before that.

Frank Lampard has repeatedly voiced his concerns about Chelsea’s inability to finish their chances during matches (h/t Sun) and his side are in danger of slipping out of the top four, having won just three of their last nine Premier League games.

Tammy Abraham has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, while the likes of Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi remain out on the periphery with uncertain futures.

The striker, who scored two late goals in the Copa Libertadores final against River Plate in November and ended as the tournament’s top scorer, has been in terrific form for Flamengo over the past year and has netted 43 goals in 59 games.

Gabriel Barbosa joined Inter Milan in the summer of 2016 but since then, the forward has moved around on various loan spells.

West Ham are also interested in signing the striker. The Hammers are struggling in the league but now, they have a new manager in the form of David Moyes.

Barbosa may have struggled in Europe with Inter and Benfica but Inter would be wise to cash in off the back of his Flamengo form, with Chelsea eyeing a move.

The 23-year-old Brazil international has revived his flailing career following disappointing stints at Inter and Benfica. With question marks over the futures of Chelsea strikers Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea must sign Barbosa.