Gabriel Barbosa Almeida, simply known by Gabriel, is the striker dubbed the 'new Neymar' who looks destined to follow in the Brazilian's footsteps from Santos to Barcelona.

The La Liga giants have preferential rights to buy the 18-year-old as part of their deal for former Santos striker Neymar from the Brazilian Serie A club last summer.

The forward, having made his professional debut as a 16-year-old, has also adapted the nickname 'Gabigol' due to his goalscoring prowess in Brazil.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch striker Gabriel match Neymar's debut goal tally for Santos

The next big thing: Santos's Gabriel could soon be en route to Barcelona and following in Neymar's footsteps

Strike: Barcelona have preferential rights of the 18-year-old as part of Neymar's summer transfer to Barca

Ready for company? Neymar joined Barcelona from Santos and the Nou Camp club struck the early deal

Gabriel's current deal with Santos expires in 2015, and his agent Wagner Ribeiro is currently discussing an extension. In 14 games this year, Gabriel remains Santos's top goalscorer with five and three assists.

The move to Spain is a desired one, though, and Gabriel previously announced: 'Someday I hope to become a Barca player. I've dreamed of this since I was little, from the moment I started playing football.'

The bad news for Europe's elite clubs, however, is that Barcelona have the first option to make a move, and the Spanish side are understood to be keen to pounce sooner rather than later.

Starlet: Gabriel's current deal with Santos expires in 2015 and Barcelona can steal the teenager soon enough

Hopeful: 'Someday I hope to become a Barca player. I've dreamed of this since I was little,' admitted Gabriel