Gabriel Magalhaes: Arsenal complete signing of Lille defender for £27m

Arsenal have completed the £27m signing of centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old Brazilian had been coveted by a series of clubs across Europe in one of the longest-running sagas of the summer transfer window, but was convinced over a move to north London by Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu.

Everton had agreed a deal Magalhaes back in March only for it to be put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. Napoli then moved into pole position, making Magalhaes their No 1 target in the event of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s departure.

However, after tracking Magalhaes for several months, Arsenal decided to formalise their interest in a bid to improve their defence, with Edu leading negotiations after the departure of Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi.

Magalhaes will join up with fellow new Brazilian signing Willian, as well as David Luiz and Gabriel Martinelli in what is fast becoming a strong contingent under Edu.

The move leaves Arsenal with seven first-team centre-backs after Pablo Mari’s loan deal was made permanent, while the highly touted William Saliba has returned from a season-long loan at St Etienne.

Despite head coach Mikel Arteta’s desire to play five at the back, it means there are likely to be outgoings this summer, with Rob Holding close to a loan move to Newcastle.