Gabriel Magalhaes: Manchester United advance interest in Lille defender despite Arsenal agreeing deal
Arsenal were on the verge of completing the signing of the centre-back only for United to recently renew their interest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have advanced their interest in Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, just as it seemed as though Arsenal were on the brink of finally completing a deal for the Brazilian.
United renewed discussions with Magalhaes’ representatives on Thursday, despite the Brazilian having agreed a deal with Arsenal, and asked for the defender to delay his decision.
Arsenal and Napoli have both met Lille’s asking price of around £22.6m, rising to a potential £27m, with the French club’s owner, Gerard Lopez, stating yesterday that Magalhaes would make a decision imminently between the two clubs.
However, the late development of United’s interest has provoked a further delay in what has already become one of the longest-running sagas of the transfer window, despite Arsenal growing increasingly confident of securing the 22-year-old’s signature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be an admirer of Magalhaes, who has been a key figure for Lille this season, and United are in the market for a centre-back to compete with Victor Lindelof to start alongside Harry Maguire.
United also offer the prospect of Champions League football next season.
For now, it waits to be seen whether United’s interest will translate into an official bid, with Magalhaes still understood to be assessing his options.
Everton believed they had secured the defender’s signature back in March, with Magalhaes even undergoing a medical, before the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic put the deal on pause.
Napoli subsequently intensified their interest and made the Brazil U20 international their No 1 defensive target. However, the Italian club’s desire to sell Kalidou Koulibaly before paying for a replacement has held up the move, although they remain in the race.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments