Inter signs rising Brazilian star Gabigol

Inter Milan has beaten a host of big-name suitors to the signing of 20-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Barbosa, the rising star known colloquially as "Gabigol."

Barbosa, whose unveiling comes on his 20th birthday, has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A side.

Inter has reportedly paid €25-million to acquire his services from Santos, though the fee is believed to be split between the club, the player's representatives, and a third-party ownership group.

(Courtesy: Inter)

The deal comes just days after Frank de Boer's side completed another high-priced move, signing Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario.

Related: Inter clinches €45-million signing of Joao Mario from Sporting Lisbon

"Gabigol is an Inter player. Fresh from winning Olympic gold with Brazil, the striker has signed a five-year contract with the Nerazzurri until June 2021," said a statement by the Serie A giant.

Barbosa put pen to paper after having impressed during his four seasons playing for Santos, the former club of Barcelona star and compatriot Neymar.

Thanks to his style of play, Gabriel has been described as the "next Neymar". Indeed, he received his maiden call-up to the Brazil squad as a replacement for the Barcelona star, who was suspended at the time, in time for a 2018 World Cup qualifier earlier this year.

Having won two Brazilian top flight titles with Santos, Gabriel made his full international debut on May 29.