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EXCLUSIVE: Leeds joined in striker hunt by Prem sextet including Tottenham, Arsenal after Brazil boost

Arthur Cabral and Valentin Stocker celebrate

A number of Premier League clubs are showing a keen interest in Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral and have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of him, TEAMtalk understands.

The FC Basel striker has been on the radar for a number of teams for well over 12 months. Leeds United looked at the 23-year-old in the summer, for example. But they were informed at the time that due to the standing of the Switzerland top-flight, he was unlikely to be granted a work permit.

However, that has not stopped the scouts from a host of top European sides flooding to Basel to keep tabs on him as he continues to impress.

Cabral moved to Switzerland from Palmeiras in 2019. He has been brilliant since arriving in Europe with 58 goals in 92 games including 20 in 17 this season.

Cabral’s form saw him called up by Brazil for the October international break. He was on the bench for the Samba Boys in their World Cup qualifier with Venezuela. He got the call-up from former Middlesbrough star Juninho – now the general manager of the national side.

Cabral said after his call-up: “I was at home and around nine o’clock an unknown number from Rio de Janeiro called me.

“I usually don’t answer. But today I answered and it was Juninho. I went into shock and I don’t remember anything else.”

But now a full Brazilian international, his situation means that he will now almost certainly land a work permit, should he move in the near future.

Arthur Cabral celebrates

We can reveal that as well as Leeds – who remain keen on him – Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, Brighton and Southampton are amongst the clubs to have watched him in recent weeks.

Cabral a long-term Leeds target

Leeds’ interest in Cabral is believed to date back to 2020, when they tried to prepare for their Premier League return by bidding for him.

 

However, they fell short of the asking price, instead spending a larger sum on Rodrigo. The former Valencia man became their club-record signing.

Rodrigo has not always appeared as a centre-forward, so Leeds could do with some more depth there. But the number of suitors for Cabral is increasing all the time.

With seven Premier League sides now looking at him, the race for his signature is on.

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