West Ham and Arsenal could find it difficult to sign FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral due to work permit problems, according to Erni Maissen.

The ex-Swiss international, who played for Basel in three separate spells, says that Cabral is unlikely to leave his club for the Premier League as he has never played for Brazil:

“I can’t imagine Cabral going. In England, he cannot play because he was not used for the (Brazilian) national team (and therefore wouldn’t get a work permit). Basel would have to get 20 million for him.”

While a visa could prove problematic, it isn’t as straightforward as Maissen makes out. Qualification is determined by a points-based system.

The criteria used to gain points do include national team participation but there are also other conditions that can lead to a work permit being approved.

Wages, the transfer fee involved, and playing in the Champions League also come under consideration, so there is a possibility that Cabral could qualify.

As the 23-year-old has scored 27 goals in 31 appearances this season, the Hammers and other Premier League clubs will almost certainly be exploring whether a transfer is possible under post-Brexit rules.