Arsenal are hoping to land a deal for Lille defender Gabriel in the next 24 hours. The Brazilian will undergo medical treatment at the club on Thursday.
Lille accepted offers from Arsenal and Napoli but the 22-year-old has decided to join the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta identified his side’s defenses as a major weakness when he arrived last December and his tactics in the second half of the campaign were designed to cover up the Gunners’ shortcomings in the background.
The Spaniard, however, is looking to play a more expansive brand of football next season and believes Gabriel – along with William Saliba – will allow him to play a higher line.
According to widespread reports, Gabriel will arrive in London tomorrow to undergo medical treatment and he will sign a five-year contract with the club.
The Brazilian arrival is a huge coup for Arsenal and Arteta, especially given the huge interest in the defender.
Napoli tirelessly pushed for his signature while Manchester United have entered the race for the past few days but to no avail.
Gabriel is signed to Arsenal for the second time this summer with a free transfer from Chelsea following the arrival of Willian.
Arteta are hoping to add Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and he’s also keen to sign a full-back.
However, it is likely that once Gabriel arrives, the club will approve a series of exits to level the books.
Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi, Calum Chambers, Sokratis, Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are available for transfer.
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