Napoli look set to hijack the transfer of Brazilian and Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes in a last-minute rush to scupper Arsenal’s chances of getting the defender they have offered him an improved personal term which reportedly includes a better salary offer than what the gunners are offering the defender.
However, the London club remains a preferred choice for the defender despite the Serie A club’s last-minute push. Everton was also said to be in contention for the Brazilian defender before the lockdown but seem far behind as other suitors have stepped up their offer, with the Toffees said to be looking to pay small transfer fee plus future adds which does not sit well the French club.
Fortunately, Gabriel is said to prefer a transfer to a Premier League club but might consider Napoli’s financial package.
Lille president told SkySport that three clubs have met their asking price for the defender with the clubs declared as Everton, Arsenal, and Napoli. While also stating the player will most likely decide his next move in the coming weeks.
“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.”
“He is a super guy, and a great football player and he wants to play. There has been a lot of interest, but we have clearly decided to close the door to further clubs at this stage and let him choose.”
The exodus of young talent
Unfortunately, Arsenal faces a big challenge with holding on to some of their talented young players with Ainsley Maitland-niles put on transfer and Folarin Balogun also on his way out of the club.
