Transfer News: Chelsea leading the race to sign Lille defender

Transfer News: Chelsea leading the race to sign Lille defender

Real Madrid have joined the race for Chelsea in a race to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes – however the Blues remain in position, as indicated by reports.

Lille defender Gabriel has developed as a target for Chelsea after their rivals Arsenal, alongside Everton, fizzled with January offers to bring him to the Premier League.

Chelsea have all the earmarks of being leading the race for the Brazilian defender, who played multiple times in Ligue 1 for Lille this season, in spite of the fact that there is presently a strong new contender for his signature.

As per AS (via Sport Witness), Real Madrid are eyeing up a move for Gabriel as a potential third-choice behind Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, after Eder Militao didn’t exactly satisfy hopes following a 2019 move.

The main issue for Madrid is that Gabriel would take up one of the non-EU spots in their squad – which they presently need more of to accommodate him.

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Notwithstanding, they are still interested to sign the 22-year-old would be a less expensive option in contrast to RB Leipzig Dayot Upamecano, who had been a significant target for them until now.

Gabriel is supposed to be rated around the €20m, though Upamecano’s asking price is as still higher, notwithstanding having been decreased by 33% down to €40m.

It is guaranteed that Chelsea have gained a sudden advantage over Madrid, however, by entering negotiations in the background a month ago – although they haven’t reached any agreement.

Gabriel is still under contract until 2023, he just extended his present contract as recent as February – despite the fact that the opportunity to sell him for around multiple times what they initially paid for him may give Lille some thinking to do.