Arsenal have been handed a boost in the hunt to sign Gabriel Magalhaes as Lille have confirmed the Brazilian defender will leave the club this summer.
The Gunners are keen on landing his services and have reportedly held talks with the player's representatives, though they face competition in the market from Manchester United, Everton and Napoli.
It had been reported that Lille have a 'gentleman's agreement' with Napoli, who want Gabriel as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, but Gerard Lopez's latest comments suggest that is not the case.
"The way we work is very simple. We explain to him [Gabriel] & his environment, his agent, what we're looking for, & once we get those offers the choice is his," he told BBC Sport.
"We are there now, so we told him: Eventually you have to make a decision but we're not pressing you.
"I think he will make it this week, or next week at the latest. He is leaving, we've given the OK for that.
"There's a lot of competition. He's a young player so he's got to make sure he makes the right decision. We help him out a little bit so we tell him: We think this might be the right manager or club for you."
