Chelsea might have suffered a massive blow in the signing of Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes as the player seems to be Everton bound – as per reports.
The Blues have been keeping tabs on the centre-back for a number of months now and for some time it seemed like he was on his way to Stamford Bridge.
But last week ESPN dropped a bombshell claiming Everton too have shown interest in signing the player and might have already submitted a bid for the 22-year-old.
The report said: “Chelsea and Arsenal are battling to sign promising Lille centre-back Gabriel, while Everton are pushing hard to reach an agreement, sources have told ESPN.
“Chelsea were optimistic they could get the deal done, as reported by ESPN last week, but Everton are now leading the chase. Like Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti has also been very impressed by the left-footed defender, who is aggressive and very good on the ball too.
“Sources have told ESPN that Everton have made a £30 million offer for the Brazilian — the minimum Lille are willing to accept. However, the French side are hopeful Chelsea will formally enter the race with a counter-offer.”
Gabriel Magalhaes to Everton: Done deal?
And just a few days after this news, Area Napoli are claiming that Gabriel Magalhaes had already completed a medical with Everton last month.
The report claims: “According to checks carried out by the editors of AreaNapoli.it in France, the Brazilian footballer, already four weeks ago, with the permission of the management supported the medical visits with Everton coached by Carlo Ancelotti”
The article goes on to say that Everton and Lille have agreed on a deal worth £19 million but the talks have been halted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
But all’s not lost for Chelsea since this break has prompted the defender’s representatives to consider other options and Chelsea still have a great chance of signing him.
£19 million is not a massive amount meaning the London outfit can easily match it and if they can qualify for the Champions League next season then it will be an added advantage in trying to lure in the centre-back.
So as things stand, Gabriel Magalhaes looks to be Everton bound but having said that, Chelsea are in no ways out of the transfer race and we are sure to hear a lot more from this in the coming weeks.
