Everton were ‘meant to sign’ Gabriel before he joined Arsenal
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes joined Arsenal in 2020 but he has recently revealed that he was meant to sign for Everton instead.
The now 24-year-old has become a mainstay in the Gunners’ back four that has helped Mikel Arteta’s side climb up to sixth in the Premier League this season.
But it could have been so different had his former Lille teammate Nicolas Pepe not twisted his arm into joining him at the Emirates Stadium.
The defender revealed in an interview with Colin Dicanot on Instagram all about what really happened during the transfer saga.
“Lille are a great club, a club that sells a lot so I knew I had to show myself,” he said. “In the winter (of the 2019-2020 season) before the league stopped, I was already meant to sign for Everton. I underwent my medical.
“But it didn’t get done. I had already envisioned myself leaving after that season. I spoke with Napoli, Everton once again, but I then chose Arsenal thanks to Nicolas Pépé, who sold the club well to me.” (Quotes via Sport Witness).
Better than anything we’ve got
There’s a reasonable argument to say that the current crop of central defenders at Goodison Park aren’t at the same level as the 24-year-old.
Ben Godfrey may be the best bet in a few years if he isn’t always injured but neither Michael Keane nor Mason Holgate can hold a candle to the Brazilian.
Yerry Mina could be the only one right now who could compete with Gabriel given his international experience and set-piece prowess that the Arsenal man also possesses.
His progression with the Gunners could leave Everton fans wondering if they have missed a trick in not completing a deal in 2020 although the influence of Pepe may have made it unlikely anyway.
Centre-half is certainly one area Frank Lampard may look to improve this summer so they have to be sure not to make the same error again.
In other Everton news, the club have pulled the plug on a £30million deal after a major development with their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.