Arsenal have made major headway in their pursuit of Lille defender, Gabriel Magalhaes.
Several European outfits including the Gunners and Chelsea have been after Gabriel for the better part of the season.
Both teams drew strong links in the winter transfer window but could not finalize a move. Arsenal are of course, looking at several options to improve their defence starting with the centre-back spot. Gabriel certainly fits the bill. He is young, athletic and has developed fast in the Lille side, racking up 34 appearances this season.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Lille president Gerard Lopez said, “With Gabriel, we are discussing and we have agreed to let him depart. He will choose his next club over the course of this week.”
Napoli and Everton are thought to be favourites for Gabriel right now. Even Manchester United are monitoring him and his Lille teammate, Victor Osimhen. The 22-year-old moved to the Ligue 1 two seasons back and is valued at around €22 million. Arsenal only concluded some lucrative business with Lille last season, signing Nicolas Pepe for £72 million.
If the Gunners were successful in offloading half of their centre-back lineup, they will more than easily be able to fund Gabriel’s transfer. There are several players who simply don’t meet the standards at Arsenal and are only eating up the wage bill. It would be stellar business to trim some of that fat and add some real quality, which Gabriel promises to have in plenty.
READ MORE: Top 5 Tallest Arsenal Players
