Man United locked in transfer battle to sign Gabriel, player set to make decision this week: report

Image via: Max Pixel

Defender Gabriel is set to make a final decision on his future this week, with Man United and Arsenal locked in battle to sign him.

That’s according to L’Equipe’s Tuesday print edition, translated via The Sun. Apparently, the 22-year-old is set to make a transfer decision later this week, with United and Arsenal locked in battle to sign him. Everton and Napoli are also credited with interest.

Whichever club eventually wins the race will have to pay £27million, plus add-ons for the Brazilian, The Sun report.

Gabriel has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Ligue 1 outfit, whose reputation as a club who develop young players continues to grow. That would also explain why they’ve signed Angel Gomes on a free transfer.

I think the level of clubs showing interest in Gabriel tells you everything you need to know about his abilities. He’s a towering centre-back who is decent on the ball, while being positionally aware. He also has speed, which could make him the perfect partner for a certain Harry Maguire…


gabriel to man united

Winning the race to acquire Gabriel’s signature will not be easy. With all attention seemingly on the Jadon Sancho saga, I just hope United haven’t taken their eye off the ball on this one – allowing Arsenal to swoop in and close the deal.

Where would Gabriel fit in?

With Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe all enduring injury-prone 2019/20 campaigns, there’s an opening available. That opening becomes even bigger when it looks like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t have Chris Smalling in his plans for next term.

Simply put, if Gabriel was signed and he can stay fit, he’d be third or fourth choice at a minimum. Play well and his minutes will drastically increase.

I don’t mind Victor Lindelof, but I’m not sure he’s a title-winning centre-back as a starter. As a rotational option, yeah, fine.

Gabriel would come into England as an unknown quantity, though. We’ve never seen him play Premier League football and it would take him some time to adapt. The burning question is this: Is he a £27million gamble worth taking? Only Solskjaer knows the answer to that.

Would you take Gabriel at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

About Jordan Street 18924 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*