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Friday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Kalidou Koulibaly, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Chris Smalling

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Friday, August 21.

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Friday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:


Manchester United 'attempt to hijack Arsenal move for Gabriel Magalhaes'

Lille's Gabriel in action in January 2020© Reuters

Manchester United are reportedly attempting to beat Arsenal to the signature of Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Gunners are believed to be in pole position to land the central defender, who is expected to leave his French club in a £22m deal, potentially before the end of the month.

However, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, United have now made a late move for the Brazilian, holding talks with his representatives over a potential deal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are believed to be keen on bringing a new centre-back to the club this summer due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Gabriel, who has also been linked with Napoli as the Italians seek a long-term replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, made 34 appearances for Lille last term, including six outings in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, United are said to be on the verge of agreeing a lucrative new deal with Dean Henderson.



Arsenal 'confident of securing Gabriel Magalhaes deal'

Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes pictured in December 2019© Reuters

Arsenal are reportedly becoming 'increasingly confident' of winning the race to sign Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2019-20 for his French club, making 34 appearances in all competitions, including six outings in the Champions League.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with the defender in recent weeks, although Napoli have also been credited with an interest as they potentially look to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.

According to the Evening Standard, despite the presence of Napoli in the race for the Brazilian, Arsenal are confident of securing his signature ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The report claims that Mikel Arteta's side have already made a £22m offer for the centre-back, who has also previously been linked with Everton and Manchester United.

Lille defender Jose Fonte recently suggested that Gabriel was interested in a move to England.


More transfer news from Arsenal:

Tottenham Hotspur 'planning £20m Ainsley Maitland-Niles move'
Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a £20m bid for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal suffer blow in Joelson Fernandes pursuit?
Joelson Fernandes, who has been strongly linked with Arsenal, is on the verge of penning a new deal with Sporting Lisbon, according to a report. Read more.

Sokratis targeted by Roma as Chris Smalling alternative?
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is reportedly a target for Italian outfit Roma, following the departure of Chris Smalling. Read more.

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Jorginho in action for Chelsea on July 22, 2020
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33247275314479
2Arsenal331812361273466
3Manchester CityMan City34187966432361
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest33186953391460
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331851062441859
6Chelsea33169858401857
7Aston Villa3416995449557
8Bournemouth3313101052401249
9Fulham33139114845348
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton33121295353048
11Brentford33137135650646
12Crystal Palace331111114145-444
13Everton33814113440-638
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd33108153846-838
15Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33115174861-1338
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs331141861511037
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham3399153755-1836
18Ipswich TownIpswich3349203371-3821
19Leicester CityLeicester3346232773-4618
20Southampton3325262478-5411


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