ARSENAL defender Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed Nicolas Pepe convinced to reject Everton after undergoing his Toffees medical.
The Brazilian centre-back, who played alongside the Ivorian winger at Lille, ultimately joined the Gunners from the French club in 2020 for £27million.
Arsenal signed Brazilian defender Gabriel from Lille for £27million in 2020
Gunners ace Gabriel has revealed how Nicolas Pepe helped convince him to join the club
And Gabriel has become a key player under Mikel Arteta, with the 24-year-old forging a formidable partnership with Ben White in the heart of defence.
He has started Arsenal‘s last 21 Premier League games in their top-four chase, even chipping in with three goals.
But it could have been a different story for the player had he linked up with the Toffees earlier that year.
Gabriel was close to making the move to Goodison Park during the winter transfer window, with the former Dinamo Zagreb loanee even completing his before changing his mind.
And has revealed that it was a conversation with his old pal Pepe that convinced him to join the forward in North London instead.
Speaking to Le Petit Lillois, Gabriel said: “Lille is a big club, a club that sells a lot so I had to show myself.
“In the winter, before the championship ended, I was already supposed to sign for Everton.
“I passed my medical examination etc, but it was not done.
“I had already planned to leave after this season.
“I spoke with Napoli, Everton again, then I finally chose Arsenal thanks to Nicolas Pepe who sold me the club well.”
Gabriel looks poised to be named in Arteta’s starting XI this Sunday when Arsenal face Watford away at Vicarage Road.
Arsenal, who sit sixth in the Premier League table, are aiming to win their fourth consecutive match to keep their top four dreams alive.
