Arsenal transfer list ten players as deal for new defender nears (original) (raw)

Arsenal have reportedly transfer-listed 10 players as they look to raise funds ahead of a deal for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The 22-year-old centre-back is much sought after having played in 24 of Lille’s 28 matches in a curtailed 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign.

Widespread reports on Thursday claimed that the defender was set to fly into London for a medical. With a deal to join the Gunners agreed.

But a report in the Daily Telegraph says that Gabriel has delayed a decision on signing. With the Brazilian expecting an offer to come in from Manchester United instead.

While the Daily Mail also reckons Manchester City and PSG could make late bids for the defender. However, both reports maintain that Arsenal are still favourites.

And now The Times claims that they are ‘closing in on signing’ with ‘a five-year contract’ on the table.

Lille president Gerard Lopez thinks Gabriel will make his mind up over which club to join by the weekend.

“We gave him plenty of time to make a decision,” Lopez said. “We gave him some advice but in the end he and his entourage will make a choice and we will support it.”

The Times adds that the proposed deal for Gabriel will mean that Arsenal have listed ten players ‘in a bid to reduce the wage bill and balance the books’.

The Gunners will attempt to ‘offload four defenders including Rob Holding and Calum Chambers. They have also transfer-listed four midfielders, including Mattéo Guendouzi, and two forwards’.

WILLIAN SENDS WARNING OVER AUBAMEYANG

Meanwhile, new Arsenal winger Willian says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang “has to stay” if the Gunners are to continue their upward curve under Mikel Arteta.

Aubameyang has entered the final year of his deal, amid rife speculation about his future. Previous suggestions claim he is a target for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

From Arsenal’s end, reports say the Gunners have offered the Gabon international a new deal. Should he take the offer, Aubameyang will allegedly enjoy a wage hike and lucrative bonuses.

Amid the speculation over Aubameyang, Arsenal brought in former Chelsea star Willian on a free transfer. Speaking to The Sun, Willian explained how his fellow forward formed a big part of his decision to make the switch. Read more…