Exclusive: Leeds in talks over ‘physically strong’ striker – £11.7m+ add-ons could get deal done
MOT Leeds News has talked exclusively with Brazilian journalist Fernando Graziani from O Povo about striker Arthur Cabral. Graziani has followed Cabral’s career “from the very beginning” and has unique insight from sources into a potential deal between Leeds United and Basel, with the two clubs in talks over a summer move
Leeds are in talks with Basel over a move for striker Arthur Cabral, according to Graziani, with discussions ongoing about the structure for a potential deal.
Graziani has said that talks are centring around a fee of between £11.7m and £13.5m, with performance add-ons on top.
Cabral scored 18 goals and added six assists in the one season that he’s been with the Swiss side and the 22-year-old is now wanted by Marcelo Bielsa.
According to Graziani, he’s a “physically strong player” who is good with the ball at his feet.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Graziani said, “Basel bought Cabral for a very good price because Palmeiras did not believe in his potential and set a very low purchase price.
“For that, if Arthur scored 12 goals, Basel had an obligation to buy him. That was set at €4.4m at four bi-annual payments of €1.1m, which is excellent value for a striker like Cabral.
“Basel has the possibility to make a big profit in a short time. I have heard that Leeds will not pay €20m, the full amount that Basel want, but are willing to negotiate €13m to €15m (£11.7 to £13.5m), depending on how performance bonuses are structured.
“Cabral is a physically strong player, but he has skill with the ball at his feet. He plays in the central area of the pitch, but he also has the ability to make good passes and move around. And he finishes very well.
“He’s scored 18 in 38 games for Basel but has also made six assists. These characteristics make Bielsa admire him.
“What I know at the moment is that Leeds and Basel are talking because Bielsa wants him. As a sports journalist who has followed Arthur’s career from the beginning, I think it would be a great opportunity for him to work with Bielsa. And it is worth saying, at just 22, Arthur has 48 career goals in just over 100 matches.”
MOT Leeds News is excited by the prospect of Cabral signing for Leeds but it is worth mentioning that Graziani told us that another unnamed Premier League side is also interested.
Watch this space.
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