Gabriel Magalhaes comments on future, amid Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal links

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Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has told magazine France Football that he does not know “what’s going to happen” this summer, amid reported interest over a move to Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton.

Gabriel, 22, has been in excellent form for Lille over the past two seasons. The Brazil Under-23 international joined Lille in January 2017, but has been on loan to Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb – before breaking into the Lille side in 2018-19.

The Independent claimed in the January window that Everton were in talks to sign Gabriel, while Tottenham and Arsenal were both offered the defender. It is believed a number of Premier League sides remain interested ahead of the summer window.

Gabriel was asked about his future and although he stated to France Football that he is happy at Champions League side Lille, he did open the door to a potential move to a Premier League club – claiming he does not know what will happen this summer.

“I see it [speculation], yes. My friends send me things every day; clubs, a lot of clubs. I’m happy because my job and everything that I did, is rewarded. It’s not only good for me, but also for other people around,” Gabriel said.

“But I’m happy in Lille, I’m very happy at the club. I like this club. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but the goal is to bring Lille back to the Champions League again. For the rest, I’ll let my agents and the club talk about it, but I’m very happy here.”

TBR’s view – Which club needs Gabriel most?

Available for a bargain £30million, Gabriel could be a potential bargain. He has helped Lille keep an excellent 11 clean sheets in 24 Ligue 1 outings this season. Certainly, he has all the attributes necessary for Premier League clubs.

Arsenal desperately need a centre-back and have done for years. Everton are yet to bring in a replacement for Kurt Zouma last season, after he rejoined Chelsea. Tottenham will be keen to replace Jan Vertonghen, who is out of contract in June.

All three need a defender, but Arsenal are in need of Gabriel more than any club.