Arsenal’s hopes of signing Lille star Gabriel have changed after Napoli made a late move for the defender.
The 22-year-old has had an impressive season for the French team and attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
Arsenal had apparently prevailed over their rivals with a £ 22m offer.
Gabriel weighed Arsenal’s proposal and a decision was imminent.
Napoli, however, took a step for Gabriel by offering him a “big salary deal”.
Despite Napoli’s move to Gabriel, Arsenal remain favorites as they will be drawn to the Premier League ahead of Serie A.
Everton is also interested in Gabriel but is not controversial.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Lilles President Gerard Lopez said that with three of the same suggestions they will leave the final decision to Gabriel.
He said: “We made it clear to him what our expectations were, we spoke to a number of clubs, our expectations were met by a number of clubs and we gave him the time to make up his mind.”
“It will be entirely his decision. We tend to steer our players in certain directions, but at the end of the day it is the player’s decision.
“He’s a great guy and a great football player and he wants to play. There was a lot of interest but we decided to close the doors to other clubs at this point and let him vote.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Martin Keown has warned fans not to put too much pressure on William Saliba’s shoulders.
Saliba have teamed up with his Arsenal teammates after being on loan at Saint-Etienne last season.
At 19, it remains to be seen whether manager Mikel Arteta will join him right on the team, but Keown says the teen needs to be given time to develop.
“It’s one of those who I would have been happier with if Arsenal paid more money early last season and brought him in straight away,” said Keown.
“There were long questions about Arsenal’s defense and Saliba was expensive, but he’s also young and hasn’t played that many professional games.
“He’s not to be expected straight into Arsenal, straight into the team and right from the start.”
