Lille Chief gives Man United target Gabriel Magalhaes go-ahead to leave

Lille Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Photo: Maria Jose Segovia/NurPhoto via Getty Images via UnitedInFocus

Lille president Gerard Lopez has given his blessing for in-demand defender Gabriel Magalhaes to leave the club this summer.

The 22-year-old is rumoured to be on the radar of a number of heavyweight clubs, including Premier League pair Arsenal and Manchester United.


Napoli are considered the favourites to land the £22m centre-back as a direct replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, although they may face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.

Amid the growing interest, Lille chief Lopez has confirmed that he expects Gabriel to be at a new club in the coming weeks.

"The way we work is very simple. We explain to him and his agent what we're looking for, and once we get those offers the choice is his," he told BBC Sport.

"We are there now, so we told him: Eventually you have to make a decision but we're not pressing you. I think he will make it this week, or next week at the latest. He is leaving, we've given the OK for that.

"There's a lot of competition. He's a young player so he's got to make sure he makes the right decision. We help him out a little bit so we tell him: We think this might be the right manager or club for you."

Gabriel has spent the last three years with Lille and made 30 appearances for the French club in the shortened 2019-20 campaign.