Premier League clubs Chelsea and Everton have both been heavily linked with a move for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer – as per reports.
Gabriel Magalhaes has played in 24 Ligue 1 games for Lille this season, impressing in most of them and recently there had been some rumours that the Blues have more or less secured the transfer of the 22-year-old.
Now though, fresh reports are suggesting that Chelsea are actually not close to signing the centre-back since Everton still feel they can convince Gabriel to join them in the summer.
Apart from Chelsea and Everton, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the defender at the end of the season but it’s the entry of Everton that could be a cause of concern for the Stamford Bridge outfit
Right now, the Toffees are managed by Carlo Ancelotti who is without a doubt one of the top European coaches hence the youngster might find it really hard to turn down an offer if the Merseyside outfit come calling.
But if Gabriel Magalhaes was to join Chelsea then he could be playing in the Champions League next season given things go as planned for the Blues.
Brazilian defender is coming to the Premier League one way or the other by the sounds – but can Everton get their man? https://t.co/5kNCoPKMdu
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) March 30, 2020
Also apart from Antonio Rudiger, all the other centre-backs at Chelsea have struggled to cement a place in the first XI this season so there’s a massive chance that the Lille defender can get guaranteed playing time under Frank Lampard next season.
The Brazilian is under contract at Lille till 2023 meaning the club can easily hold out for a big transfer price which right now should not be a problem for either Chelsea or Everton.
But all said and done, despite popular belief, Chelsea still have a lot of work to do before they can wrap up a deal for Gabriel Magalhaes and bring him to London.
