The 22-year-old became one of the most coveted players in Europe after helping Lille secure a top four finish in 2019-2020 Ligue 1 season.
Gabriel has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Napoli and other Premier League clubs, but Arsenal, who have been chasing the 22-year-old for sometime are said to be in pole position to sign the defender.
Gabriel, who played 34 times in all competitions for Christophe Galtier’s men last season, looks set to fly from Stade Pierre-Mauroy to London on Monday to finalize his potential move to the Emirates Stadium.
The former Avai and Troyes man will be Arsenal’s second signing this summer, having already poached Willian from Chelsea on a free transfer.
Lille president Gerard Lopez has all but confirmed the departure of the São Paulo-born star over the weekend in an interview with Sky Sports.
“He is one of the players that we allowed to exit the club this summer, he asked for it and wants to try something else,” he said.
“We clearly told him what our expectations were, we spoke to a number of clubs, our expectations were met by a number of clubs and we have given him the time to decide. It is going to be entirely his decision.”
“We tend to try and steer our players in certain directions, but at the end of the day it’s the player’s decision.I know he is going to make a decision early next week.”
