GABRIEL MAGALHAES is heading to London next week to complete his £27million transfer to Arsenal, say sources.
The Brazil central defender was left out of Lille’s 1-1 draw against Rennes yesterday, fuelling speculation he is close to joining the Gunners.
Reports claim Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is close to getting his man on a five-year deal.
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Manchester United and Napoli were also chasing the South American.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano posted this on Twitter: “Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal, here we go!
“Total agreement just completed: he will fly on Monday to London to sign his contract until June 2025, €30M to Lille (add ons included), official statement on next week. The deal is finally done.”
Arteta has already signed another Brazilian, winger Willian.
His contract at Chelsea had run out.
But defence was Arteta’s biggest concern as they conceded 48 goals last term.
There is speculation Shkodran Mustafi could leave, while David Luiz has only signed a one-year deal.
The Spaniard has youngster Rob Holding and French defender William Saliba.
But the Gunners need to strengthen at centre-half specifically.
Meanwhile, Juventus officials are set to arrive in London for talks over a transfer of striker Alexandre Lacazette.
And Arsenal have still not managed to get skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign the new £250,000-a-week deal they have offered him.
