Transfer Update: Manchester United hold late talks with Gabriel Magalhaes

Manchester United have held discussions with Gabriel’s representatives in a late twist to Gabriel’s expected exit from French side Lille. The player also happens to be Arsenal and Napoli’s target,

Arsenal, however, still remain clear favourites to win the race to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian ahead of Napoli, despite the Italian club making a late and improved offer to the player.

Manchester United have been monitoring the situation as they were among the first few clubs interested in the Brazilian centre-back. However, it is understood their interest in the player is unlikely to go any further.

Manchester United have not made a bid or held discussions with Gabriel himself despite scouring the market for a new centre-half,, and having worked towards two other targets.

The most likely outcome is that the player will come to the Premier League this summer in a deal worth £27m, whether that is London or Manchester.

Gabriel was key for Lille as they finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, also starting all of their Champions League games.

He was wanted by Everton ahead of the coronavirus lockdown and even undertook a medical with the Merseysiders but since then their involvement has diminished.

Related:

• Arsenal transfer latest and rumours
• Manchester United transfer update: Dean Henderson ready to sign new contract with the Reds
• Transfer Update: David Alaba rejects €15m-a-year deal offered to him by Bayern
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearing a new deal for 2020/21 season with AC Milan

Arsenal have been keen to sign the young Brazilian in a bid to boost their centre-back options this summer, adding to the arrival of youngster William Saliba, who returned from a year-long loan after signing from St Etienne for £27m last summer and loaned back.

The Gunners have also tied veteran Brazilian defender David Luiz down after he signed a new one-year contract at the club, while Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have also made their loan moves permanent from Flamengo and Southampton respectively.

The Brazilian contingent at Arsenal keeps expanding as the Londoners, in addition to the deals for Mari and Soares, have also signed Brazilian winger Willian. The 32-year-old signed a three-year deal with Arsenal following the expiration of his contract with Chelsea.