Arsenal Have Agreed A Deal With Lille To Sign Highly-Rated Centre Back Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal have won the race to sign highly-rated Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille after beating off interest from Manchester United and Napoli.
Magalhaes started 23 domestic games for the Ligue 1 side as he helped them to a fourth-placed finish before the French top flight was scrapped early due to coronavirus.

The Brazilian centre-back, valued at £22m, has been coveted by a host of teams this summer after an impressive season and now the Gunners have agreed a deal to prize him to the Emirates ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal have been prioritising reinforcements in defence after finishing eighth in the Premier League table last season, shipping 48 goals, and Magalhaes should help to add some steel and add freshness to the Gunners’ backline.

Arsenal defenders came under fire last season after a number of high profile mistakes led to goals, including from David Luiz
The north London side have already had dealings with Lille in the past after signing Nicolas Pepe for £72m last summer and have benefited from the existing relationship.

He should be joined by another youthful presence in defence after William Saliba linked up with the club after spending last season on loan with St Etienne.
Magalhaes, who has also enjoyed experience in the Champions League, was on the radar of Manchester United, who are also keen to strengthen their defensive options, while Napoli were also said to be monitoring his progress.

The Gunners ended the season on a high as they beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final last month to confirm a place in the Europa League.