Deadline looming for top defender as Arsenal, Napoli submit equal bids
Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes must choose between a move to Arsenal or Napoli by the beginning of next week after both clubs submitted equal bids, according to a report.
Reports have linked several clubs with a move for the 22-year-old, who has impressed in the last 18 months.
Initially, Manchester United and Everton were keen as they look to bolster their respective defences. However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer allegedly holds concerns about a move.
Arsenal have shown interest throughout and, more recently, Napoli have also joined the race. In any case, Lille president Gerard Lopez has confirmed that the player is leaving.
According to Le10 Sport, the two clubs that have “taken control” of proceedings are Arsenal and Napoli.
Both clubs have submitted equal bids, with Lille willing to accept either offer and resigned to losing Gabriel.
Therefore, any prospective deal now rests on a decision from the defender. Lille have reportedly given Gabriel until the beginning of next week to choose his next exciting move.
Both Arsenal and Napoli are keen to add defensive recruits before their new campaigns begin.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is stepping up his Gunners rebuild and has already brought in free winger Willian.
Napoli, meanwhile, could sell top centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who is reportedly a target for Manchester City.
The Senegal international’s exit will not be cheap and while the fee is unclear, Napoli are aware of the need to fill the gap if he does leave.
As for United after they retracted their interest in Gabriel, the Red Devils are allegedly keen on Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.
ARTETA TAKES CONTROL OF ARSENAL TRANSFERS
Meanwhile, Arteta has taken further control of Arsenal’s transfer processes, according to a report.
The move comes after the departure of head of football Raul Sanllehi.
Arteta will now reportedly have the crucial final say alongside technical director Edu on all ins and outs at The Emirates.
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