Done DEAL: Arsenal confirm signing Lille defender

Arsenal have affirmed the signing of central defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille on a “long term contract”.

Gabriel Magalhaes moves in a deal worth a reported £27m, having intrigued during his 34 appearances for Lille last season.

The 22-year-old is Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, following the signing of Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Brazil teammate Willian.

We are thrilled to have signed Gabriel Magalhaes  He is a player we have been studying for some time and he was sought after from numerous clubs, so we are pleased to have agreed and completed this move with Lille and the player, technical director Edu told the club’s official site.

Gabriel Magalhaes is a player of high caliber and Mikel Arteta and his coaches are anticipating integrating him into the club.

Arteta included: We welcome Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal. He has numerous qualities which will make us more grounded as a defensive unit and as a team.

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He has demonstrated with Lille that he is a centre-back with numerous exceptional qualities and we are anticipating watching him develop as an Arsenal player.

The Brazil international will wear the number six shirt at the Emirates Stadium.