Blues set to beat Arsenal and Everton in race for Brazilian defender

Chelsea are favourites to clinch the signing of Lille defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, according to a claim by EuroSport journalist, Manu Lonjon.

The Brazilian has also courted interest from Premier league rivals, Arsenal, and Everton. As well as French giants, PSG. A report from Le10sport had suggested the Toffees had beaten PSG to his signature. Citing the Independent, who had reported a deal was agreed, including a medical. Arsenal came close to a deal in January, as reported by The Metro.

However, Everton had lost confidence in the deal being completed due to the coronavirus outbreak. League’s across Europe are suspended, and there’s a strong chance the transfer window will not open in June as planned.

With the uncertainty, the Toffees feared other clubs could persuade the 22-year-old to move elsewhere. Now it appears those fears are coming true.

Lonjon claimed in a tweet that Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Magalhaes.

A deal is likely to cost around £30m, and would be a great bit of business by the Blues. The Brazilian is also predominantly left-sided, which would compliment the players already available to play at centre-back at the club.