Arsenal could be closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
Having secured the services of Willian last week, concentration now turns to improving the defence.
One name that has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer is Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Various reports suggest that a fee has been agreed between Arsenal and Lille for the defender, but Arsenal still have a bit of work to do to secure the signing, with Napoli said to have made a late move for the player.
Lille president Gerard Lopez confirmed over the weekend that Gabriel would be leaving the club this summer.
He is one of the players that we allowed to exit the club this summer, he asked for it and wants to try something else,” he said,
“We clearly told him what our expectations were, we spoke to a number of clubs, our expectations were met by a number of clubs and we have given him the time to decide.”
While Arsenal wait on the player’s decision, they will be encouraged by his past comments over his future.
“Maybe, I don’t know,” was his response to Telefoot back in February when asked if a move to the Emirates Stadium was possible in the future.
“But I would love to play in the Premier League.”
The player gave more detail about his future in an interview with L’Equipe back in June.
“I want to go as high as possible, I came to Europe for that. England or Italy? Both are good championships,” he said.
“I speak a lot to Luis Campos [Lille's director of football] to see where it is best for me because he has a lot of experience. I also speak with my agents, with Gerard Lopez, with Jose Fonte.
“Gennaro Gattuso [Napoli's manager] likes me a lot? I don't know, we haven't talked. On the internet, on social networks, there are a lot of things coming out. I do not know what is true. I see every day, "ah Gabriel goes there, then there".
“But in fact, we don't know yet where I'm going to go. Wherever I go it will be to play, to be at the top, at the highest level. And above all in a team that will allow me to go to the Selecao [Brazil’s national team].”
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