Speculations were going around about the future of Lille‘s promised defender Gabriel Magalhães as he had declared he would be leaving the club this summer. Clubs like Napoli, Manchester United, and Arsenal were targetting him. But finally, Gabriel joins Arsenal. Arsenal has confirmed this on their official website as well as on social media.
Gabriel joins Arsenal: Contract details
Arsenal will pay around 26 Million Euros (4 Million Euros as add-ons) to Lille as Gabriel joins Arsenal. The Brazilian youngster will sign a 5-year contract which will keep him at the club till June 2025, according to Sky Sports Italia journalist and transfer hunter Fabrizio Romano.
Gabriel Magalhães: Career at a glance
Gabriel Magalhães started his career at the Brazilian club Avai FC academy in the 2015/16 season. He took the field in 21 matches for Avai FC. He was very much clinical in defence from the starting of his career which was a key point to be noticed. As a result, Lille didn’t think twice before signing him from Avai FC for about 4 Million pounds in the 2016/17 season. Following his signature, he was sent to another french club Troyes on loan for one year.
After that loan spell, he was now sent to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb for another one-year loan spell. Though he did not have a chance to feature in many matches for Dinamo Zagreb but amazed everyone with his defensive quality in those matches in which he took the field. After the loan spell ended at Dinamo Zagreb, finally he got the chance to play for Lille in the 2018/19 season. He played 52 matches for the Ligue 1 side this season and attracted everyone with his defensive capability and ball passing ability.
Lille manager Christophe Galtier also praised Gabriel for his workload and playing style just at the age of 22. He also told that It will be very well for the player himself if he joins Arsenal or any other big club to develop himself.
“Regarding Gabriel, yes, I’ve known for a long time that He is leaving. He is working hard with us in the meantime. We’re working on the players who are currently here and those likely to replace. Of course, the club is working to replace him. He is a brilliant player.”
Christophe Galtier, Lille manager
Lille though already have found the replacement of Gabriel as they have signed Dutch defender Sven Botman on a five year deal.
Why was Arteta so keen to get him at the Emirates?
Arsenal has faced problems regarding their defence for a long time. The Gunners conceded 48 goals this season in Premier League which was second-most among the top 6 teams. Arsenal defenders made many mistakes which errors led the opponent team towards scoring. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was desperate to sign a defender this summer. Arteta was monitoring Gabriel for a long time as the defender impressed him very much this season. Gabriel made 82% accurate pass this season. He won 67% of duels which stands as 6.3 per match. He is also very calm and skilful in defence.
Arsenal finished 8th in this season’s Premier League. But they have won the FA Cup which helped them to qualify for next season’s Europa League. As Gabriel joins Arsenal now, fans can expect he will help the club with his defensive contribution to improve their defence next season.
What are your thoughts on this deal as Gabriel joins Arsenal? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more transfer news and updates, visit our Facebook page. Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser.
