Report: Sanllehi tried to stop Arsenal signing 22-year-old, but Edu really wants deal done

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Arsenal’s former head of football Raul Sanllehi wanted to stop Mikel Arteta’s side from signing Gabriel, but Edu pushed the deal through, 90 Minutes claim.

Arsenal have been pushing hard to sign Gabriel from Lille and remain the favourites to land his signature, despite late interest from Manchester United.

However, things could have been very different if Sanllehi had remained at the club and got his way.

The transfer chief, who has recently left Arsenal, apparently had some doubts over signing the centre-back and wanted to ‘put the breaks on’ the transfer.

Edu, on the other hand, is a massive fan of the 22-year-old and ensured that Arsenal pressed on in a bid to bring the centre-back to the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel is now expected to arrive at Arsenal, even if there have been plenty of obstacles involved on their way to signing him.

Arsenal are said to have agreed a fee of around £20 million for the young centre-back, who should improve their starting line-up significantly.

Arteta struggled to find a reliable defensive pairing last term, and strengthening in defence has been one of his first priorities this summer.

Arsenal already have William Saliba coming, and if they do get a deal for Gabriel over the line, then they will have two of the most exciting, young defensive prospects in Europe in their squad.