Lille president Gerard Lopez has admitted that star centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is interested in a move to Arsenal this summer, while speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (20 August, 11.30am).
After months of speculation, it seems that one of the most coveted players in the transfer market is packing his bags.
While Everton, PSG and Manchester United are reported to have shown an interest in recent times, there are now two clear front-runners – Arsenal and Napoli.
And the always outspoken Lopez is happy to admit that Gabriel could join his former Lille teammate Nicolas Pepe in the English capital sooner rather than later.
“I think he’s narrowed (his options) down. Arsenal is of great interest to him, Napoli is of great interest. Like with (Pepe), we have always said if we have an agreement with a club or two clubs, and the bids are the same, we will not a creative a biding competition,” Lopez says.
“When he have the bid we want, then he will be free to choose.”
Lopez adds that Gabriel is expected to make a decision between Arsenal or Napoli either ‘today or tomorrow.’
This comes as ESPN report that Mikel Arteta’s London giants have made a £22 million bid for a colossal, commanding central defender who, if his performances across the Channel are anything to go by, could be the signing Arsenal have been crying out for.
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