Napoli’s search for a Koulibaly replacement could be detrimental to Arsenal’s business
Napoli search for a defender continues as a Koulibaly exit becomes more and more likely.
Yes, Lille has agreed on a fee worth £22.6 million for their prized centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes. However, Manchester City’s strong interest and probable transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly could dent Arsenal’s transfer plans to bringing in Magalhaes.
Man City was left no step closer to obtaining their first Champions League title after going out 3-1 against Lyon on Saturday past. City’s defence showcased a familiar weakness they’ve presented throughout the season.
Arsenal are set to secure the signing of Gabriel Magalhães for a fee of £22.6m. A five year deal was finally agreed on Wednesday. Player has elected to move to Arsenal. Negotiations initially started by Sanllehi, now Arteta and Edu have secured the signing. [@JBurtTelegraph]
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) August 19, 2020
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Their inability to deal with counter-attacks was evident and exposed what’s missing, and that was having pace at the back. Having both centre backs available for selection, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, the Manchester boss still opted for club captain Fernandinho in a three-man CB system with Eric García and Aymeric Laporte.
It backfired tremendously, costing them a spot in the semi-finals, and calls the club into action this summer. Having just signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, reports claimed the Citizens are far from done with the summer incomings and are anticipating another five fresh faces before the window shuts.
Could be costly for the Gunners
Mikel Arteta will be hoping his old club fail in their bid to acquire the services of one of the best centre backs in the game today. Lille does not mind a tug of war neither does Napoli if they do make the sale of Koulibaly.
They will gain good cash flow and will be able to outbid the London club perhaps, considering all that has gone on during the stranger times of 2020. The situation surrounding English clubs and their funds haven’t been that transparent as it should be. Signing Willian shows great intent and dealings in the window, having him come in on a free.
Now they are hoping to secure another deal as fast as possible. But their defender signing could be in jeopardy if Man City get the Senegalese from the Italian club who are desperate to find replacements for outgoing players.
Also, we know a transfer is only complete once the announcement is made by the club with the player in their colours.
The latest news on Gabriel Magalhaes
Updates are happening fast and coming through quickly. It appears despite Napoli’s interest, the Brazilian has chosen to enjoy his trade at the Emirates under the new regime and promising project of Mikel Arteta.
As per the news, he has agreed to a five-year deal, earning in the region of £90k-per-week with the London club. The announcement looks like it could be made next week sometime. A lot can happen in the space of a week.
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This is fantastic movement in the summer market by a top side needing to get back to their best. The Europa League side will not stop there and are still in for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and making Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos’ loan deal a permanent one.