Edu leading negotiations to sign Gabriel, Lille want £18 million fee + £9 million in add ons

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s technical director, is leading negotiations to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille who want a fee of £18 million as well as £9 million in add-ons, according to Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte. 

Everton, Napoli and Manchester United have shown an interest in the Brazilian centre back. Arsenal entered the race to sign the player relatively late but have jumped to the front of the queue and are now favourites to sign the 22 year old. 

Napoli were considered the early favourites to sign Gabriel and viewed him as an ideal replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly were the defender to depart the club. They seem to be out of the running for now as the Senegalese centre back is still at the club. 

Gabriel is believed to have undergone a medical at Everton and been close to sealing a move to the Toffees prior to the coronavirus, according to Fabrizio Romano via The Beautiful Game Podcast. The agreement was in place but the situation changed due to the coronavirus and Everton now look unlikely to sign the player. 

Manchester United are understood to be interested in Gabriel but have not submitted a concrete offer for the Brazilian. Arsenal hope to act decisively and bring the 22 year old to the Emirates. Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal’s head of football, has a good relationship with Lille’s director of football, Luis Campos, and this is expected to work in favour of the North London club.