‘Underwent my medical’: 24-year-old says he nearly joined Everton before Arsenal move

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Gabriel Magalhães has been speaking to Colin Dicanot about life at Arsenal, and he made an interesting claim involving Everton.

What’s the story?

Well, the Brazilian could’ve been playing in the blue of Everton if things worked out differently.

As quoted by Le Petit Lillois, the Arsenal No.6 said: “In the winter (of the 2019/20 season) before the league stopped, I was already meant to sign for Everton. I underwent my medical, but it didn’t get done.

“I had already envisioned myself leaving after that season. I spoke with Napoli, Everton once again, but I then chose Arsenal thanks to Nicolas Pépé, who sold the club well to me.”

That is very interesting to hear.

We’d love to know why the 24-year-old’s move to Everton collapsed, despite the fact he had undergone a medical, and even spoke to the Toffees again after that.

Nevertheless, Everton’s loss is Arsenal’s gain, and the Gunners fans have a lot to thank Nicolas Pepe for after he helped lure the South American to north London.

Since his £23.14m move from Lille in 2020, Gabriel has made 56 appearances for Arsenal, scoring six goals.

Everton must kick themselves for losing out to Arsenal

In our view, Everton must be devastated that they missed out on Gabriel.

The Toffees came extremely close to securing the centre-back’s signature, although for whatever reason, they couldn’t finalise a deal – even after the Brazilian underwent a medical on Merseyside.

Now, Gabriel is getting better and better with each passing week under Mikel Arteta, while Everton struggle at centre-back.

Frank Lampard has been using Mason Holgate and Michael Keane alongside each other at the back since he replaced Rafa Benitez – with all due respect, Everton could find upgrades on both.

Gabriel would undoubtedly be one of Everton’s best players, if not their best, so it will surely hurt those at Goodison Park to see him shine at Arsenal.