Magalhaes is a man in demand with so many clubs vying for his signature, but Arsenal is optimistic that his transfer to the Emirates will be completed this summer. Despite already adding William Saliba and Pablo Mari to their defensive options ahead of next season, the Gunners are still seeking for more cover in that department.
Arsenal has agreed on a deal with Lille for Gabriel Magalhães worth around £22m but still face competition from Napoli to sign the Brazilian defender. The 22-year-old has been linked with several clubs in recent weeks, having originally looked set to agree on a move to Everton earlier in the year. It is understood Arsenal’s offer of €24m has been accepted and Gabriel must now decide whether to move to the Emirates.
Speaking back in February, the player was open about his desire to move to the Premier League. At the time, Arsenal was the club said to be interested in his services, but talking to Telefoot, the player didn’t give much away on a possible move to the Emirates Stadium. “Maybe, I don’t know,” he said. However, he added: “but I would love to play in the Premier League.”
Magalhaes started 23 domestic games for Lille as he helped them to a fourth-place finish before the French top-flight was scrapped early due to coronavirus. Lille president Gerard Lopez confirmed at the weekend the defender was expected to depart.
He is one of the players that we allowed to exit the club this summer, he asked for it and wants to try something else,” Lopez told Sky Sports. We clearly told him what our expectations were, we spoke to a number of clubs, our expectations were met by a number of clubs and we have given him the time to decide.
It is going to be entirely his decision. We tend to try and steer our players in certain directions, but at the end of the day, it’s the player’s decision. I know he is going to make a decision early next week.”
