Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has told L’Equipe that he wants to join a club that can help him play for Brazil.
The centre back spent time on loan at Dinamo Zagreb in 2018, but has now become one of the most in-demand defenders in Europe.
Gabriel has starred alongside Jose Fonte in the Lille defence, and his ability as a left-footed centre back is very attractive in the modern game.
At just 22, Gabriel – who is big and strong at 6ft 3in tall – has real potential, and is being linked with a big move to England this summer.
Last week, Foot Mercato reported that Tottenham had made a last-gasp bid for Gabriel. Napoli are keen on the Brazilian, but Spurs have allegedly entered the race late in the day.
Everton have been linked for months now. Gianluca Di Marzio claimed earlier this week that Gabriel actually completed a medical with Everton before the global pandemic hit Europe, but they have since backed away.
That could give Spurs a chance to get in and sign him, especially as Jose Mourinho will have seen plenty of him having watched Lille a lot during his time out of football, though their budget restrictions could be a concern.
Now, Gabriel – as translated by Get French Football News – has stated that he the Premier League and Serie A are ‘both good leagues’, but he just wants to join a team where he can put himself in the frame for the Brazilian national team.
“They are both good leagues,” said Gabriel. “I speak a lot with Luis Campos to see where is best for me because he has a lot of experience. I also speak with my agents, with Gérard (Lopez), with José (Fonte).”
“Wherever I go, it will be to play, to be at the top, at the very highest level. And above all in a team that will allow me get to the Brazilian national team. That is my biggest objective, my dream. I hope that I will be there soon,” he added.
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