Who is Gabriel Magalhaes? Arsenal, Napoli in a transfer tug of war for Brazilian defender

Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes has become talk of town following his impressive displays for Lille over past few seasons. Premier League giants Arsenal and Serie A's Napoli are reportedly in a race to sign centre-back this summer. It is reported that Gabriel Magalhaes is valued at £22 million (€23.4 million) despite financial ramifications of coronavirus pandemic. With hype around young defender and Lille demanding a hefty transfer fee to part ways with ir prized asset, here's a look at exactly who is Gabriel Magalhaes?

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Who is Gabriel Magalhaes? Gabriel Magalhaes transfer news

Gabriel Magalhaes is a 22-year-old defender who currently plies his trade at Ligue 1 club Lille. Gabriel joined Lille in January 2017 but spent time on loan at Ligue 2 side Troyes and Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb before eventually breaking into Lille first team in 2018. Over past two seasons, Gabriel has grown in stature as a player and helped Lille to a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 during 2019-20 season. Gabriel hasn't made an international appearance for Brazil just yet but was in line to represent his country at Olympics before coronavirus put a halt to fixtures. 

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Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal? Gunners favourites to sign defender

Back in February, Gabriel admitted his desire to play in Premier League as Arsenal were reportedly keen on his services. While speaking to Telefoot, Brazilian himself explained that he would 'love' to play in English top division but remained coy on any potential transfer. w, according to multiple reports in England and France, Arsenal are prepared to submit a £22 million (€23.4 million) bid for Gabriel. Fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton are also monitoring player's situation but Mikel Arteta's side remain in pole position to lure Gabriel to Emirates Stadium. 

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Football transfer news live: Gabriel Magalhaes to Napoli on cards?

Although Arsenal are still favourites to sign Gabriel, Serie A outfit Napoli have also shown keen interest in left-footed centre-back. uncertainty around future of Kalidou Koulibaly has made Partepei consider a move for Gabriel as a potential replacement for Senegalese. Earlier this week, Lille president Gerard Lopez confirmed that Gabriel is set to leave club over summer but it remains to be seen where he will land up by start of 2020-21 campaign. 

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Im Credits - Gabriel Magalhaes Instagram