The saga of Gabriel Magalhaes’ future continues to rumble on, with reports suggesting the player is now stalling on his decision following late contact from Manchester United.
The central defender has been strongly linked with a move away from Lille this summer following his impressive displays for the Ligue 1 club, helping them to a fourth-placed finish and qualification for next season’s Europa League.
It is thought that the Brazilian had agreed a deal to sign for Everton before football’s enforced shutdown – though the Toffees have since dropped their interest – while he has also attracted attention from Napoli, who see the defender as a potential replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly.
Reports in the Telegraph on Thursday had claimed that Arsenal were closing in on a deal having agreed personal terms with the defender, though the same newspaper has today claimed that the 22-year-old has delayed his decision following late contact from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
They report that there is now a ‘belief that United will now make a dramatic move’ for the central defender, with the Old Trafford outfit being able to offer Champions League football following their third-place finish last season.
The report does insist that Arsenal remain the ‘front runners’ for Magalhaes’ signature, the reports resembling the classic tactic of linking the Red Devils with a player to hurry a deal along or extract more money.
Meanwhile, the Times has reported that Magalhaes has completed a medical ahead of a £27m move to the Emirates.
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