According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are hoping that the exit of Raul Sanllehi doesn’t scupper a move for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
It’s claimed that Arsenal are ‘closing in’ on signing Gabriel, having ‘agreed terms in principle’ for his arrival.
Both the Gabriel deal and the new contract for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were teed up by Raul Sanllehi, who was Arsenal’s head of football.
However, he left Arsenal on Saturday, with the club placing more control in the hands of boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu.
Arsenal are now left hoping that the talks with Gabriel and Aubameyang aren’t damaged by Sanllehi’s exit after he put so much work into the deals.
Gabriel, 22, is a man in demand having starred for Lille last season, emerging as one of the top left-footed centre backs in Europe.
Napoli have been leading the race for him, but Arsenal – thanks to Sanllehi – have barged into the race and could now bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
A strong and physical centre back who can also play out from the back and offers great balance with his left foot, Gabriel could slot in next to compatriot David Luiz in the Arsenal defence.
Gabriel will allegedly cost around £27million, and Arsenal must hope that Sanllehi leaving doesn’t suddenly give all the initiative back to Napoli.
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