Rivaldo has questioned why Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa is being linked with moves to West Ham and Newcastle.

The Hammers and the Magpies are said to be among a number of clubs keen on signing “Gabigol” during the January transfer window but Rivaldo says the player should be setting his sights higher:

“He didn’t do well in his first experience in Europe, but today he is a more experienced and qualified player who, in my opinion, would even justify playing for a bigger Premier League club like Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, not wanting to disrespect the two interested clubs, of course.”

To be frank, Gabigol was woeful the last time he played in Europe, with Inter Milan and Benfica failing to get the best out of him. He has, admittedly, improved since moving back to Brazil, but that doesn’t mean he is ready for the Premier League.

West Ham boss David Moyes is said to have a number of irons in the fire as he looks to bring in a forward. FC Basel’s Arthur Cabral, Liverpool’s Divock Origi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Blackburn’s Ben Brereton are just some of the most recent names linked with a move to the London Stadium. With all due respect to Rivaldo, Gabigol may not be deemed good enough for the Hammers.