Portsmouth closing in on eye-catching swoop for Paraguay under-23 international as transfer business ramps up

Pompey are closing in on signing Paraguayan winger Gustavo Caballero.

The 24-year-old is heading into Fratton Park on loan from Brazilian club Santos, which would signal the Blues’ fifth signing of the transfer window.

According to reports from Paraguay, the deal would involve an option to buy.

With Callum Lang in the process of finalising a deal with Preston North End, Caballero would strengthen John Mousinho’s attacking options amid ongoing squad injuries.

Caballero joined Santos from Club Nacional in July 2025 in a $1.6m deal and his subsequent form has alerted Pompey, prompting them to make an ambitious swoop for the Paraguay under-23 international.

Although he can play as a striker, it is not immediately clear where the Blues propose to use him should they manage to clinch the transfer.

Mousinho has made no secret of his desire to add a new centre-forward to his squad, with Colby Bishop managing to score just two goals so far this season.

The urgency has escalated with Bishop leaving Fratton Park wearing a precautionary boot on his left foot after being forced off in the 75th minute of Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Brom.

Lang, who is not yet ready to return from a hamstring injury, was not included in the 20-man squad for a win which lifts the Blues four points clear of the relegation zone.