Manchester United have missed out on one of their central defensive targets by showing a concerning lack of decisiveness in the transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s requirement for a new centre-back was highlighted once again as United’s weakness were exposed in the Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla.
And United did show interest in highly regarded Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes before he reached a transfer agreement with Premier League rivals Arsenal.
According to the Independent, United officials made contact with Gabriel’s agent last week, and have continued to ask the Brazilian’s representatives to delay their transfer decision.
But the reason behind United’s plea is unclear as they never lodged an official bid for the 22-year-old.
Instead, Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano has all but confirmed Gabriel will move to the Emirates Stadium with his famous ‘Here we go!’ tweet.
Romano noted that Gabriel will sign a five-year deal at Arsenal and the deal will be announced officially next week.
Gabriel could be a very astute signing for Mikel Arteta who desperately needs defensive reinforcements this summer.
But it’s difficult to understand why United would have flirted with the idea of signing Gabriel without making a concrete offer.
Solskjaer’s men are little over three weeks from the start of the new Premier League campaign and there is no indication that the club are closer to pulling off any signings.
Gabriel Magalhães to Arsenal, here we go! Total agreement just completed: he will fly on Monday to London to sign his contract until June 2025, €30M to Lille (add ons included), official statement on next week. The deal is finally done. ⚪️🔴 #AFC #Arsenal #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2020
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