According to UOL, as translated by Sport Witness, Leeds United are inching closer to the capture of Arthur Cabral. It is believed that one of the player’s agents will fly to Lisbon to settle a deal with Marcelo Bielsa this week. They just have a small discrepancy in the transfer fee, with FC Basel unwilling to settle for the €18 million Leeds United are offering and are holding out for €20 million.
Who is Arthur Cabral?
Cabral, it seems, is the latest centre forward to be linked with a move to Leeds United this summer. The Brazilian plies his trade with FC Basel, a club he joined last summer on a season-long loan deal.
He was fantastic in his debut season in Switzerland, scoring 14 goals in 26 league matches. It earned him a permanent move to Basel for a fee of just €4.4 million. But it seems the striker may once again be on the move this summer, which doesn’t come as a surprise at all.
A product of the Palmeiras youth academy, Cabral has impressed the onlookers with his Brazilian flair and an ability to sense scoring opportunities in the final third.
Although Cabral is more of a traditional centre-forward, the 22-year-old does have excellent technical awareness. It allows him to find his teammates with clever passes. But, what makes him such an in-demand striker in Switzerland is his lethal finishing and an imposing 1.86m frame that make him quite competent in physical and aerial duels.
Should Leeds pay €20 million?
Cabral is undoubtedly a talented striker, whose all-round capabilities tune in well with Marcelo Bielsa’s footballing philosophy. The Brazilian can work hard for his team and is technically sound enough to thrive under Leeds United’s possession-based system.
The Whites haven’t had much luck in the number nine slot, with doubts looming over Patrick Bamford’s credibility at the highest level of football. That is where Cabral could be an interesting option.
Although the Brazilian himself has no experience in any of Europe’s top five leagues, he has the characteristics that could make him a potential upgrade over the ex-Chelsea starlet. His physical prowess, in particular, could be useful, especially in the Premier League next season.
From a financial perspective, Cabral’s €20 million asking fee doesn’t make him a cost-effective option for Leeds United. But, it is a gamble Bielsa must take if he is to truly strengthen his offensive unit and deal with the rigours of top-flight football next season.
