Arsenal Transfer News: 'New Neymar' Gabriel Barbosa and Aleksandr Kokorin Wanted

Attacking recruitment will be Arsenal's priority ticking toward Tuesday's transfer deadline as Santos sensation Gabriel Barbosa and Dynamo Moscow's Aleksandr Kokorin hit the Gunners headlines.

Brazil under-20 international Gabriel, who goes by the nickname "Gabigol," is the latest attacker to earn Arsene Wenger's attention after turning down a move to Fenerbahce, claims the Telegraph's Darren Richman. 

The 19-year-old is the latest Brazilian prospect to have earned comparisons to former Santos star Neymar, and he is swiftly following in his compatriot's footsteps after emerging as a prominent figure at Vila Belmiro.

Sky Sports correspondent Paulo Freitas attested to just how heavily involved Gabriel has been for Santos in recent years, having made his debut for the club at just 16 years of age:

His promise fits in with Wenger's usual approach of chasing young talent, and after scoring 21 goals across all competitions for Santos last year, the starlet is causing quite a stir in his native Brazil.

The deal is complicated by the fact Gabriel's contract comes complete with a €50 million (£36.7 million) buyout clause, ESPN FC's Christopher Atkins reported last year.

Lucas Uebel/Getty Images

Wenger's over-reliance on Olivier Giroud has led to concerns at the Emirates Stadium in recent years and last summer's deadline signing Danny Welbeck doesn't appear to have inspired confidence among fans.

Arsenal may be better off splurging on a proven finishing force at this juncture rather than investing in more potential, but on this last day in the summer window, any reinforcements would be appreciated.

It doesn't look likely those reinforcements will come in the shape of Kokorin, however, following reports Arsenal have seen a season-long loan bid for the Dynamo Moscow forward rejected.

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/Getty Images

The Telegraph cited Russian sources, reporting that Dynamo turned down the Gunners' advances to seal a temporary move for their star attacker, once again setting Arsenal back in their plans to add more firepower.

It leaves one to question just how serious the north Londoners are in their bid to add a world-class signing up front, especially after Wenger was quoted by the Daily Mail's Luke Augustus earlier this summer insisting the club has funds to spend:

"

I don't want to promise you too much. We are open minded everywhere. We work very hard to find the players we can. We spent a lot of money in the last two seasons and bought Gabriel in the middle of the last campaign to be ready for this term.

We are not reluctant to spend the money. Now we have the money, if we can find the players we will spend the money.

"

It's true the signings of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in 2013 and 2014, respectively, may have left their mark on the club's bank balance, but more is needed if Wenger's men are to launch a title challenge this term.

Dynamo may be convinced to sell Russia striker Kokorin if Arsenal are prepared to offer a permanent deal this summer, but any hopes of landing the forward on loan appear doomed.