Gabriel will sign a five year deal with Arsenal on Monday

Gabriel will sign a five year deal with Arsenal on Monday and the transfer will be officially announced next week, according to Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian.

The Gunners will pay Lille £27 million including bonuses and have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian defender who is expected to be paid £1.8 million a year, according to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports Italy. His wages will increase throughout the duration of his contract with Arsenal. The player and his representatives will arrive in London on Monday and sign the contract once his medical is done. 

The North London club have beaten Napoli and resisted late interest from Manchester United to bring Gabriel to the Emirates. Arsenal, Napoli and Everton all had bids for the player accepted by Lille. Everton, who were considered the early favourites, dropped out of the race due to the financial consequences of the pandemic. 

Napoli viewed Gabriel as their primary defensive target this summer but could not complete a deal for him as they were keen on selling Kalidou Koulibaly before making a move for the 22 year old. Koulibaly has attracted interest from Manchester City but his sale is far from guaranteed.

The 22 year old was an integral part of a Lille side that finished fourth in the French league last season. They had the fourth best defensive record in the country. He made 34 appearances in all competitions for the French club in the 2019/20 campaign. 

Arsenal conceded 48 goals in the Premier League last season and had the second worst defensive record among the top eight sides in the league. Their inconsistencies at the back have garnered criticism on a regular basis and it has been evident that they are in need of better defenders. Gabriel will significantly improve the club’s options at the back.