Lille president provides transfer update on Arsenal and Manchester United target Gabriel Magalhaes
Lille president Gerard Lopez has confirmed Arsenal and Manchester United target Gabriel Magalhaes will leave the club this summer.
The Brazilian centre-back was initially on the radar of Everton earlier this year with The Independent revealing the player even underwent a medical in March.
But Napoli soon overtook the Toffees in the race and are thought to be close to agreeing personal terms, with the Italians enjoying a good relationship with the French club, having already signed Gabriel’s teammates Victor Osimhen for £63.3m.
Signed from Brazilian side Avai in 2017 for just £1.5 million, Lopez has confirmed the Ligue 1 side are set to make a big profit on the 22-year-old.
“The way we work is very simple,” Lopez told BBC Sport.
“We explain to him [Gabriel] and his environment, his agent, what we’re looking for, and once we get those offers the choice is his.
“We are there now, so we told him: Eventually you have to make a decision but we’re not pressing you.
“We help him out a little bit so we tell him: We think this might be the right manager or club for you.”
Lille have already secured the signing of Gabriel’s replacement, Sven Botman, from Ajax for around £7m.
Read more
What’s really happening with Arsenal and United target Gabriel
