#AFC | I asked French Football Writer @jeremysmith98 to fill me in on Gabriel Magalhães, below is a thread on what he had to say about the Lille Centre Back...

It's a very interesting read

'I'm a big fan of Gabriel. Came to France very young and took a while to settle, (unimpressive loans at Zagreb and at Troyes) but pretty much been a fixture in the Lille defence for the past 18 months, even dislodging the club captain from the team.'

'He's tall, strong and fast, a good tackler and decent in the air too (though could be more of a threat in attacking set pieces). Good on the ball too - has got a really good long pass on him.'

'He seems to have a good personality too - serious on the pitch and shows good leadership qualities at only 22.

Good sport too - at the beginning of lockdown he did a series of home-based exercises for l'Equipe.'

'As a left-footer, he is arguably more attractive for clubs looking for a right-left balance.

So I think he has a bit of everything and could grow to be a truly world-class CB. The idea of he and Saliba lining up together is quite mouth-watering.'

'Obviously there are other clubs interested and Lille do not let their top players go cheaply, so much might depend on whether Arsenal have the available funds or can come up with another Saliba-style deal.'

'Arsenal also seem to have a few too many CB's right now. But if Gabriel did come in, he would be the first CB named in my first team.'

End of thread.