Napoli have made a ‘last ditch attempt’ to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, the Italian side launching a late bid for the Arsenal target.
Arsenal remain the favourites to sign the highly-rated defender who has attracted the attention of several leading clubs following his performances for Lille last season, the centre-back having also been on the radar of Everton who were allegedly close to securing his signing earlier this year.
The Brazilian has informed Lille of his desire to leave this summer and the French side are prepared to sanction the sale of the 22-year-old, with president, Gérard Lopez, revealing last week that a decision on the player’s future was imminent.
Lopez confirmed that Lille’s asking price had been met by three clubs, while two others had shown up ‘late to the party’ in the race to secure the centre-back, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming Manchester United only made contact ‘days ago’, contrary to reports claiming they held talks last month.
Gabriel Magalhães is the main target for Napoli if they’ll sell Koulibaly to Manchester City. The Brazilian CB is still waiting to take a final decision between Napoli and Arsenal (total agreement reached with Lille). Man United only contacted his agents days ago. ???????? #AFC #Napoli
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2020
According to Sky Sports, Napoli have now made a ‘last ditch attempt’ to sign the Magalhaes, the Serie A side having made the Brazilian their main target should Kalidou Koulibaly – who has strongly been linked with Manchester City – depart the San Paolo Stadium this summer, with Sky describing the Italian’s offer as ‘a big salary deal’ and reporting the deal is being ‘seriously considered’.
The defender reportedly ‘favours a move to the Premier League’ though the Gunners will no doubt be concerned by Napoli’s late and increased offer.
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