Gabriel Magalhaes has been signed by Arsenal from Lille. Arsenal beat off competition from Manchester United, Everton and Napoli for 22-year-old centre-back. Arsenal have signed Brazilian defender Gabriel from Lille for £27m on a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old bolsters Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s options in defence that will be further boosted by William Saliba, who spent last season on loan at St Etienne following his £27m signing from the French club last summer.
Gabriel, who played in all six of Lille’s Champions League group stage matches last season, is Arsenal’s second major summer signing following compatriot Willian’s move from Chelsea on a free transfer Centre-back Gabriel can cover a rampaging left-back, with the majority of his defensive actions made down that flank, while also clearing things up in his own penalty box
Gabriel is the second player to join Arsenal from Lille in the past 12 months, following Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe’s move to the Emirates for a club-record £72m last summer.
Arsenal Coach, Mikel Arteta said on the club website:
“We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal.” “He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.”He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”
News Credit: Skys Sports
