Arsenal have struggled defensively this season, but in the January transfer window they took decisive steps to try and rectify the situation.
With Unai Emery dismissed in December and Mikel Arteta replacing him, the new boss made his intentions clear as the club brought in centre-back Pablo Mari from Flamengo on an initial loan with an option to buy, and Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton.
But questions remain over whether either of the players is a viable long-term solution to the Gunners' problems, and targets continue to be linked for the summer transfer window.
Including Gabriel Magalhaes...
Who?
Magalhaes is a 22-year-old centre-back from Sao Paulo in Brazil, and started his career at Avai FC.
The defender made the move to Lille in 2017 for a fee of around £1.5million. He has since been on loan at Ligue 2 side Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb.
The centre-back is playing in his second full season in France, making 14 Ligue 1 appearances in 2018/19, and playing in 19 league games so far this term.
January enquiries
Both Arsenal and Everton are said to have made approaches in the January transfer window for the defender, while Wolves were also linked with the defender in the months leading up to the window.
Edu is said to have spoken to Lille about a possible loan-to-permanent deal last month but were denied, before turning their attention to Flamengo and Pablo Mari.
£30m summer move
Arsenal are said to be considering a move in the summer transfer window after seeing a January enquiry turned down.
According to the Sun, Lille's valuation is based on the fact that the Gunners signed William Saliba from Saint-Etienne for £27million last summer.
The 22-year-old has signed a new contract until 2023, and with Everton interested in the young star, the Ligue 1 side will hope for a bidding war between the two clubs.
Mikel Arteta spoke of the need to bring in a left-footed centre-back when signing Mari on an initial loan deal, and Arsenal's scouts apparently feel that Magalhaes will represent a solid investment.
Arsenal can make Mari's deal permanent at the end of the season for £5million, or allow him to return to Brazil. The decision to move for Magalhaes would reportedly depend on whether or not Arsenal qualify for Europe at the end of the season.
