According to ArenaNapoli, Gabriel Magalhaes already had a ‘medical visit’ at Everton and was close to putting pen to paper on an ‘agreement for’ €22m and €2m-a-year in wages four weeks ago, but a ‘signature slipped’. The Independent reported similar in March too.
Given Chelsea appeared to be closing in on the 22-year-old in recent weeks, this revelation is surprising. Latest reports now say Everton are in pole position to sign Gabriel, but it appears they came within touching distance of procuring his signature back in March.
Not only had Everton and LOSC Lille reached an agreement over Gabriel’s price, the Toffees also agreed personal terms with the Brazilian defender and even had him undergo a medical that was overseen by Carlo Ancelotti. ArenaNapoli say the Covid-19 pandemic led to the deal falling through, however.
Everton have reportedly asked to wait before returning for Gabriel, but the 22-year-old has Chelsea and Napoli still interested so his future may now be up in the air.
With Matthew Pennington expected to leave this summer, Morgan Feeney being linked with a move to Celtic and Lewis Gibson still not ready for first-team football, Ancelotti only has three centre-backs in the squad – Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate.
Marcel Brands wants to lower the average of the first-team, which is why Everton have been linked with the likes of Gabriel, Marash Kumbulla (aged 20), Issa Diop (23) and Tosin Adarabioyo (22) among others.