According to the Guardian, Everton ‘expect’ Gabriel Magalhaes to be the ‘first signing’ of the summer. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea, but Everton believe they’ve won the race for his signature after negotiating a deal worth £30m with LOSC Lille.
Gabriel joined Lille from Avai FC in January 2017 and has gone on to make 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals. The Brazilian centre-back has been a regular under Christophe Galtier this season, making 34 appearances across the board, but his future looks away from the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Everton are on the hunt for a defender to accompany Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate next season, as Matthew Pennington wants to leave the club while Lewis Gibson and Morgan Feeney have been linked with a move to Celtic.
The Toffees have been linked with Galatasaray’s Christian Luyindama, West Ham United’s Issa Diop, Verona’s Marash Kumbulla and Manchester City’s Tosin Adarabioyo, but Gabriel is the one player they’ve had their eye on for some time.
The Guardian say Everton are ‘more advanced’ in talks than Arsenal and Chelsea, so confirmation may come sooner rather than later. Carlo Ancelotti is building a squad to challenge for a top-six finish next season and Gabriel could be one of many new recruits as a result.