TRANSFER RUMOURS: INTER MILAN BEAT FC BARCELONA AND BAYERN MUNICH TO SIGN ‘NEXT NEYMAR’

19-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is reportedly set to reject Barcelona and Bayern Munich and is close to agreeing a move to Inter Milan.

The Palmeiras talent is leaning towards a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan despite the interest from European giants such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid. A report on Football Italia, which cites Italian media outlets Tuttosport and Sky Sports Italia, suggests that Inter Milan are leading the race to sign the Brazilian sensation. The report also states that the forward is most likely to move to Europe in January and that the reason behind his club preference is said to be his mother.

It is claimed that the Nerazzurri impressed the forward’s mother, Vera Lucia, by holding up the example of Brazilian legend Ronaldo’s progress and growth at the club. The club also gave his mother a tour of the Inter Campus project — a charity that helps underprivileged children receive professional football training. His mother is reportedly convinced the Serie A club is the right place for his son and has seemingly made the decision for him.

The 19-year-old has been in scintillating form for Palmeiras this year with 10 goals in just 13 appearances and will be looking to carry his form into the Olympics.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo had earlier named the 19-year-old among the two Brazilians he is convinced are the future of Brazilian football. The forward has also been likened to Neymar due to the similarities in the trajectory of their careers. The duo were both born in Sao Paulo and made their club debuts in Brazil at the age of just 17.

There have been rumours linking the Brazilian with clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City, but it appears the teenager is set for a move to the Serie A.

Gabriel Jesus could announce himself on the world stage in the coming months

Gabriel Jesus has been prolific thus far across all age groups for the national team and will be hoping for similar displays at the Olympics in his home country

Gabriel Jesus has made 32 league appearances so far for Palmeiras, scoring 14 goals in the process; 10 of those goals came this year in just 13 appearances. The forward has represented Brazil across all youth age groups but is yet to make a senior appearance for the national team. The 19-year-old is expected to play a crucial role in the nation’s Olympic bid in his home country and would be hoping to catch more eyes with his displays.

The move to Inter Milan may be a better option for Gabriel Jesus at this stage as he would get more playing time at Inter than at the elite European clubs Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo is a former winner of the Ballon D’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award — feats he managed to achieve while playing for the Serie A club. Inter see the same spark in the Palmeiras talent and if Gabriel Jesus is able to replicate even a part of the success his idol achieved at San Siro, he is sure to have a remarkable career in football.