Manchester United reportedly advance their interest in Gabriel

Manchester United have advanced their interest in Gabriel, according to the Independent.

The Red devils contacted the player’s representatives on Thursday just as it looked as though Arsenal were on the verge of sealing a deal to bring the Brazilian to the Emirates. The Gunners remain confident about getting this transfer over the line but United have asked the player to delay his decision. 

The 22 year old has renewed talks with United as they decide whether to pursue a move for the Lille centre back but are yet to make an offer. Manchester United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be an admirer of Gabriel and is looking for a central defender to compete with Victor Lindelof for a place in the first team. 

Arsenal, Napoli and Everton have had £27 million bids for the player accepted by Lille. Everton, who were the early favourites, have dropped out of the race for his signature. Napoli are keen on luring him to Italy but would like to sell Kalidou Koulibaly before signing Gabriel. They are still in the race. 

The player and his representatives are in no rush to make a final decision, according to Sam Dean of the Telegraph.

Hearing that Gabriel Magalhaes & his camp are more than happy to wait before making a final decision. There is no immediate deadline, despite some reports. As reported by @TelegraphSport, #AFC were very much leading the race before #MUFC interest. This could drag on and on…

— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) August 21, 2020

News of United contacting the player’s representatives emerged on Thursday but it must be noted that Laurie Whitwell, a journalist covering Manchester United for The Athletic said that he did not believe the club were actively pursuing a deal for Gabriel and saw it as a tactic by the player’s representatives to speed up talks with Arsenal or Napoli.

Sudden noise around Gabriel Magalheas + #MUFC. Been asked about him lots. Doubt he’s one for United. Reading between lines seems an attempt to hurry up Arsenal + Napoli @TheAthleticUK

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) August 20, 2020

Gerard Lopez, the Lille President, recently said that the player had shortlisted Arsenal and Napoli as his final two options and would make a decision in the coming days, in an interview with Talksport.

✅ “I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal & Napoli are high interests to him.”

⏰ “His choice will be made probably between today & tomorrow.”@LOSC_EN owner Gerard Lopez provides an update on the future of Gabriel Magalhães 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/lJ7hZgBShv

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 20, 2020

The Gunners are the clear favourites for the 22 year old’s signature but late interest from United will definitely prolong the level of uncertainty we have witnessed in this transfer saga.