Manchester United reportedly hope to sign Gabrial Magalhaes from Lille this summer after making an eleventh hour move to stop wither Arsenal or Napoli from signing the 22-year-old this summer. United were linked with the player a number of weeks ago but after initial talks, did not seem to get involved in the bidding with both Arsenal and Napoli agreeing terms with the player, according to reports. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that United are now involved.

It was suggested that the Brazilian, who had offered from Napoli and Arsenal was more interested in a move to London. But with United now involved, the player has asked for more time to think about his decision. United will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season with Arsenal only playing in the UEFA Europa League and they only got there by winning the Emirates FA Cup after finishing eighth in the Premier League. It feels good to pay the Arsenal fans back for their ‘banter’.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has apparently been seeking a left-footed central defender to partner Harry Maguire and has been linked with Nathan Ake, who signed for Bournemouth, Pau Torres of Villarreal and Magalhaes. It is clear that the Norwegian feels that his defence could be better than hit has been this season, despite only conceding 36 goals in the Premier League in the 2019/20 season compared to the 54 goals conceded in the 2018/19 season.

The Brazilian is expected to take the next two days to think about the options that he has with Arsenal supporters worrying that the player has had his head turned by United. The lure of Champions League football will be big for the player especially as he looks to pay at a higher level to earn his first cap for his country, having only played for Brazil at U20 and U23 level. It could well be that he sees a more direct chance of playing regular football by signing for Arsenal. It will be the player’s decision to make.

Last season for Lille, Magalhaes made a total of 34 appearances before the leagues in France were promptly cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Lille ended up finishing fourth in the league, missing out on Champions League qualification and only qualifying for the Europa League group stage. Magalhaes scored one goal during the course of the season which came against RC Strasbourg Alsace on the 1 February 2020, a 2-1 victory for Lille.

United could be a matter of days away from sealing their first signing of the summer with lots to do at the club before the transfer window closes on the 5 October 2020, about three weeks after the new Premier League season commences. United were due to face Burnley in the opening fixture but due to their participation in the Europa League, the first match, along with Manchester City’s will be postponed. Therefore United’s first match will be against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Written by John Walker

Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow with Lille central defender agreeing terms with Serie A side Napoli this summer. It was stated earlier in the week that the player would make a decision regarding his future with speculation at the time suggesting that Arsenal would win the race to sign the Brazilian. A few weeks ago, the players agent was in England speaking to two clubs which could well have been United and Arsenal at that time.

However, it was then revealed that United had only spoken to the agent of the player and not Lille, so that gave the suggestion that there was not concrete interest in the player at that time, for whatever reason. It could well have been that United have only managed to get rid of Alexis Sanchez so far this summer and not receiving a transfer fee from that deal with the player signing for Inter Milan, permanently joining Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young, who left the club last summer and in January, respectively.

Arsenal supporters seemed confident that their club had made a move to sign the player after his brother and sister followed the club in Instagram, which is so Arsenal right now, leading to possible disappointment if reports are true that Napoli have stole the march on the player this summer. It was suggested that the player could have been available for between £22 million and £27 million this summer, which is a good deal for an up and coming central defender who is left-footed and something that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to add to his squad this summer.

The Manchester Evening News have reported that Napoli seem to have agreed terms with the Brazilian this summer, which will be more of a blow with Arsenal after the club had made contact with Lille, according to reports. United will probably see article after article of players that they have missed out on this summer, not actually making a move for any or many of them, which is the same things that happens when each transfer window, summer and winter, are open.

If Napoli end up signing Magalhaes this summer, it could well mean that Kalidou Koulibaly is leaving the Italian club this summer and he has been a player that United, Manchester City and even Liverpool have been linked with. United were rumoured to be interested in the player whilst Jose Mourinho was the manager of the club and last summer, reports suggested that Solskjaer was interested in signing the player too, although the club move for Harry Maguire, another player who was linked to the Old Trafford club whilst Mourinho was the manager.

The 29-year-old Senegal international was originally prices at £90 million but it is suggested that Napoli would accept £70 million for the player this summer, which is going to be a big fee that United will not agree to considering the mess that seem to have made with the prospective transfer for Jadon Sancho this summer, although that might all sort itself out at some point in the future, or be another transfer that never quite got there and something to remain disappointed about for all of time. It is possible that Koulibaly remains at Napoli and that reports stating otherwise are merely just speculation. The player, reported by The Sun, recently said:

“I never spoke to Napoli about leaving. If we have to find a solution, we will find it, but I have never talked about the transfer market.

“I also read in the newspapers about my future – but I only want to think about playing.

“I am 100 per cent [committed to] Napoli and it bothers me to be linked, every day, to this or that European club.

“We will see what the president will decide and if they propose to extend my contract, that would allow me to end my career here.”

Written by John Walker

Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly in a battle to sign Lille central defender Gabriel Magalhaes this summer. The Brazilian is set to make a decision on his future this week, according to reports in The Sun. Both United and Arsenal have been linked to the player for a period of months, say the reports with United seemingly showing interest in the past few weeks after the player’s representatives were in England to speak to two clubs.

Premier League side Everton were previously interested in the player, having conducted a medical during the winter transfer window, however, not agreeing a fee with Lille for the player. Napoli are also said to be interested in the player with reports coming from French news outlet L’Equipe. The player will cost £27 million this summer, which is a competitive fee for a player so young but with experience. The 22-year-old is left-footed, which fits the profile Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would want.

However, it has been suggested that United have had informal talks and Arsenal seem to be the club that has done more regarding this transfer. The report states that the 22-year-old’s brother and sister started following Arsenal in Instagram, which could be an indication that the North London club will be signing the player. No doubt, there will be many reports to suggest that United have missed out on the player – let them claim their victory. Clubs that finish eighth in the Premier League need some glory.

Whilst United need to start making some signings this summer, it would seem that the targets are not yet known. United were linked to Nathan Ake, who has signed for Manchester City and Magalhaes, who I think will be signing for Arsenal. In recent weeks, they were linked to Villarreal’s Pau Torres and AS Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile. However, since those reports, Chris Smalling’s loan with AS Roma has come to an end so United might choose to retain the player this summer instead.

That might not be what actually happens, but could also be a possibility. Inter Milan seem to hold some interest in Smalling, along with Roma and even Juventus. It could well be that the player is sold when he returns from his holidays this summer. I think more will start to happen when United’s season has ended and tonight they found out that they will face Sevilla in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League this season, which will be played on Sunday evening.

It is possible that Solskjaer promotes from the academy this summer, instead of signing a new defender, although signing a competent and experienced defender will be required. United will have the pull of UEFA Champions League football this summer and could well gain more attraction if they end up lifting the Europa League this season. Against FC Copenhagen on Monday, United won the match 1-0 and a few of the Danish club’s players looked talented with defender Victor Nelsson and forward Jonas Wind; both 21. United might do well looking at both players this summer.

Written by John Walker

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Lille central defender Gabriel Magalhaes for £27 million, according to The Sun. This is a good fee for a player of such a young age with prospects in the game. It was stated that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was seeking a left-footed central defender this summer to partner Harry Maguire, which is what Magalhaes could well be if these reports are true. However, just a headline then a sub paragraph with little other information makes it seem like poor journalism.

United have been linked to the Brazilian for little over a week with things developing quickly. That said, the information provided in the reports was always at a minimum. The player has had a medical with Everton earlier this year but the club had not concluded the transfer as they did not agree on a fee. United’s interest seems to have come forth out of nowhere but Arsenal’s interest still seems to be there. Obviously, the rumours have not come from nowhere but it is possible that they lead nowhere.

United do need to strengthen their defensive line this summer in order to move forward but the return of Chris Smalling has complicated matters. It was expected that the defender would play in AS Roma’s round of 16 clash in the UEFA Europa League this week but he was not named in the final squad for the tournament, which has to be confirmed on Monday evening. Whether the Italian club come forward with an acceptable offer for the player remains to be seen.

On Tuesday, The Metro reported that Arsenal have stepped up talks for the Brazilian, 22, which seemed to come from French source France Bleu Nord. It was stated that United, Everton and Napoli were all interested in the player. Napoli were said to be putting forward an offer €30 million (£27 million) after signing Victor Osimhen but the situation changed which led to Arsenal now making a move. It all seems strange that depending on your source of information, facts can be completely different. But I guess that is modern journalism.

It was confirmed that the representatives of Magalhaes were in England last week to talk to two clubs, what were reported to be United and Everton. If that was true, it could well be that United have won the race to sign the Brazilian as out of the three English clubs, United are the only one that will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, so that would be a deciding factor in a transfer this summer. Sorry Arsenal but small fry might miss out again.

Italian outfit Napoli Magazine has suggested that United have won the race for Magalhaes, which is not something that can be confirmed as an actual fact. However, it could turn into one in the right amount of time. Whilst the report is positive, the substance requires more for it to be suggested that United have indeed commenced to sign their first player this summer. Gerard Lopez, the owner of Lille, has recently suggested that the player will leave the club with The Sun reporting him as saying:

“With Gabriel, we are talking and we’ve given him an exit pass. He will choose his club this week.”

Written by John Walker

The representatives of Lille central defender Gabriel Magalhaes are reportedly in the United Kingdom in order to discuss a prospective transfer with both Manchester United and Everton interested in the Brazilian. Over the past week, United have been linked with the player twice with reports gathering pace on Friday with the latest report. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems keen to add another defender to his squad this summer.

The Brazilian, 22, is left-footed which has been something that Solskjaer has been suggested to want this summer after a conversation with Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake after United beat them in the past few weeks. Of course, Ake seems to be on his way to Manchester City this summer after the two clubs agreed a £41 million fee for the player. United have also been linked to Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who was also linked to the Old Trafford club this week.

It is expected that the defender will leave Lille this summer, which at been confirmed by the Ligue 1 club’s owner Gerard Lopez as reported by The Sun. Some will suggest that the newspaper being named will suggest there is nothing to see here, but the newspaper literally reported the quotes from the clubs owner. Too many supporters judge by the newspapers name being mentioned without reading the reports, pretending that they know more than has been said.

Solskjaer would like to sign a combative partner for Harry Maguire, who arrived at the club from Leicester City for £80 million last summer and despite looking out of place at times, his arrival, along with that of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who also arrived last summer has seen United go from conceding 54 goals in the Premier League during the 2018/19 season to conceding just 36 goals during the 2019/20 season. Solskjaer will be seeking to improve this next season as he looks to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.

There could be an exodus of defenders from the Old Trafford club this summer with Chris Smalling hoping to make permanent his loan spell with AS Roma, Marcos Rojo well out of favour and Phil Jones also expected to leave after being used sparingly and the player ending the domestic season on the injury list, which seems to be the story of his career. Solskjaer will be looking to put his mark on the United squad this summer, setting them in the right direction seven years later Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 season.

Sky Sports have also reported that Magalhaes’ entourage were in the UK seeking to grind out a move for the player this summer. It has been stated that the Brazilian had a medical at Everton before the lockdown which was caused by the coronavirus pandemic but the Merseyside club have not managed to finalise the deal for the defender. Napoli are also credited with an interested in the player who is said to cost around £27 million this summer. French outlet La Voix du Nord have reported that United have placed a £27 million offer for the defender, which is interesting.

Written by John Walker

Manchester United are plotting a £20 million move for Lille central defender Gabrial Magalhaes, according to reports by The Sun. It has been suggested in the report that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the Brazilian as the long-term partner for Harry Maguire at the Old Trafford club. It is imperative that United strengthen their defence and their attack this summer, which are the two main attributes of challenge for titles and winning them. As Sir Alex Ferguson said; “attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”

Sky Sports has also reported that United are interested in the Brazilian, 22 and that the club has been swayed by the reasonable price tag of the player. It has been reported recently that Solskjaer will be looking to sign a left-footed central defender this summer, which has seen the club linked to Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, who looks to be on his way to Manchester City this summer and Villarreal defender Pau Torres. That would suggest that Solskjaer is actively seeking to address the problems in defence.

United conceded 54 goals in the Premier League during the 2018/19 season and after the addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Maguire last summer, United improved defensively, conceding only 36 goals in the league, which made them the third best defence in the league. Improvement will still be needed if the club is going to take on both Liverpool and Manchester City in the chase for the Premier League title next season, which could happen if the club made the right signings this summer.

The Brazilian has had a good season in France which has seen him linked with a number of clubs. Napoli and Everton rival United in the chase for the player. It is expected that the Brazilian will leave the club this summer of Lille owner Gerard Lopez admitting that much. The arrival of another defender could end the United careers of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones with the former being loaned in January and the latter still injured. Lille owner, Lopez, as reported by The Sun, said:

“With Gabriel, we are talking and we’ve given him an exit pass. He will choose his club this week.”

The Brazilian is contracted at Lille until the summer of 2023, signing a new contract in February 2020. However, that seems to have been signed with a view of selling the player this summer and the player seemingly knowing that. The Brazilian has made a total of 34 appearances at Lille during the last season, scoring one goal. He played in Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Champions League. The experience in the Champions League would be good for United.

United also look set to lose Chris Smalling this summer with suggestion that AS Roma could either make his mover to the club permanent or loan him for another season, making the mover permanent next season. However, other reported have also stated that Napoli are interested in the player with Kalidou Koulibaly likely to leave the club this summer. That could leave United with Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire and Axel Tuanzebe for next season, clearly needing strengthening to compete in four competitions.

Written by John Walker

Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Lille central defender Gabriel Magalhaes this summer. The Daily Record has reported that the 22-year-old Brazilian is now on the radar of two Premier League clubs. It is suggested that United will be seeking to sign a new central defender this summer with some reports suggesting that the player could be a left-footed, ball playing defender. The Brazilian fits that profile which could be the start of an under the radar singing.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to have come to the conclusion that Magalhaes could become the defensive partner to Harry Maguire at the club next season with Victor Lindelof making the manager ask many questions of him, especially recently. He will obviously become a squad player with United not seeking to sell any more defenders this summer after Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and possibly Phil Jones. It would leave him with Maguire, Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and any new signing he made in the position.

The 22-year-old had a good season with Lille as they finished fourth in Ligue 1, which was suspended then cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic which suspended world football in mid-March. It could well have been a premature decision to have made with the fact that the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga resumed their season after a two-three month break. The reports state that Magalhaes could be available for just £22.5 million this summer, which would be a bargain signing for United, should the interest actually be there.

Arsenal have already been credited with interest in the player, despite David Luiz and Pablo Mari being retained by the club this summer. Chelsea have also been linked to the player with Frank Lampard not settled on the likes of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen. But the team that is said to be leading the race to sign the Brazilian it Italian side Napoli. A report by The Sun suggests that the player has already agreed on personal terms with the club, which is not the end of the world as the transfer has not been completed.

A move to the Premier League could be lucrative for the player, putting him on the pedestal in terms of playing international football as the player has only represented his country at U20 and U23 level. This season in France, playing in Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de la Ligue and the Coupe de France, the Brazilian has made a total of 34 appearances, scoring one goal, which is good for a central defender. The player can also slot into the defensive midfield position too, although he played there once during the past season. This could be an option at United, or elsewhere if required although it is probably not his best position.

It is stated by The Sun that a club such as United making a move for the player could turn his head as the offer of regular first team football in the Premier League would be an offer too good to be turned down by the player. There are also suggestions in the report that Inter Milan and Everton also retain some interest in the player, which could set something moving for him this summer, if Napoli do not complete the deal in the next few days or weeks. It is said that Napoli will be replacing Kalidou Koulibaly, who is currently linked to Manchester City.

Written by John Walker