Leeds United have been boosted in their chances of signing FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral amid speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road.
What’s the story?
Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing the £13.5m-rated star, and there’s now been a significant development surrounding his future at Basel.
According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Cabral has called off talks with Basel over a potential new contract, with his existing deal with the Swiss club coming to an end in less than two years time.
He’s got shades of Mark Viduka
In a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about Viduka: “He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”
Standing at 6 foot 1, Cabral has the same kind of physicality about him, winning 4.7 duels per game in the Swiss Super League this season, while a scouting report on him is very encouraging.
FocusonLeeds said: “His ability to find space and shoot with power and accuracy is really impressive. He really comes alive in the box and a calmness about him when in goal scoring positions. At 6ft 1 he also provides an aerial threat with 6 off his 18 goals coming from headers.
“Arthur isn’t overly quick in terms of his speed however, he also isn’t slow. Due to his movement in and around the box, he still finds himself in shooting positions a lot. If you combine this with his dribbling ability and quick feet, this helps him work room to gets shots off at goal.”
That blend of movement, strength and clinical finishing marks him out as a potentially exciting parallel to Viduka, while he may already have a link to Leeds were he to arrive.
The man with 71 goals over his entire club career thus far will also now know Raphinha, with Cabral having been called up to the Brazil squad for the recent international break, being named on the bench for the clash against Venezuela – that was the game that saw the Leeds man of course come off the bench as a substitute and change the game with two assists.
Cabral could be an exciting Viduka-esque addition to Leeds’ ranks.
Meanwhile, this Leeds United star is now attracting big interest…
