Barcelona linked with Monza forward Gustavo Varela after nine-goal start

Barcelona have been linked with a move for Portugal and Cape Verde forward Gustavo Varela, who is currently at Monza in Serie A.

The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to the 2026-27 league campaign, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in nine appearances. He has started 90% of Monza’s Serie A matches and has played 760 minutes.

Varela joined Monza from Benfica B on 27 July 2026 in a deal worth €2.5m. His market value has since risen to €5m, while his form has reportedly led to interest from Barcelona, who are considering forward options from outside La Liga.

The centre-forward developed at Benfica after moving from PAOK’s academy and spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Gil Vicente before returning to Benfica B. He made his senior breakthrough in Portugal before moving to Italy.

Varela is right-footed and stands 1.84m tall. His contract with Monza runs until 30 June 2030, leaving the Italian club under no immediate pressure to sell. No transfer fee or agreement has been reported, and the proposed move remains a rumour.