Arsenal are set to complete their second major signing of the summer with a new defender set to arrive from France.
The Gunners have already completed a deal for Willian Borges on a free transfer and now with the Community Shield curtain raiser just one week away, Arsenal are about to add another member to their squad, Gabriel Magalhaes.
The highly-rated defender was wanted by the likes of Napoli, Manchester United and others but it seems the 22-year-old Brazilian has now decided to sign with Arsenal ahead of the competition. According to information received from Fresh Arsenal, the player will sign a five-year contract after the Gunners agreed a 30m euros package with Lille.
The deal could start a bit of a transfer merry go around, with Arsenal’s Sokratis believed to be of interest to Napoli and also Roma. Napoli will likely be looking to sign a central defender with Manchester City hoping to seal a big money move for Kalidou Koulibaly. Napoli’s need for central defenders will be accelerated by the fact that Nikola Maksimović could also be on his way out, with Everton said to be interested.
According to the latest information, Gabriel has chosen to join Arsenal on a 5-year contract. Arsenal will pay 30m euros to Lille. [@LOSC_fs] #afc
— PB (@OliPriceBates) August 19, 2020
We brought you the news last week that Arsenal were set to win the race for Gabriel. The English press have slowly caught up and yesterday were reporting that the Gunners had agreed a fee, with it just left for the player to decide where he wanted to go. Now we understand he has made his choice and that is Arsenal.
22-year-old Gabriel is physically strong, standing at 6ft 3’ and comfortable with the ball at his feet. As a left-footed central defender, he is comfortable playing as a left centre back, a position that has been problematic for Arsenal lately, with Sead Kolasinac shoehorned into the role most recently.
Arsenal are also interested in further strengthening their midfield this summer, with at least one central midfielder targeted and possibly another forward should Alexandre Lacazette leave the club.