Six Things You Need To Know About Gabriel Magalhaes As Chelsea Make Move For The Brazilian

Multiple reports have claimed that Chelsea have made a formal offer for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of the summer transfer window.

Although there is no confirmation a deal is close to being finalised, it would not be a surprise if the Blues are looking to secure more targets.

They have already secured Hakim Ziyech’s signature from Ajax despite being many months away from the Moroccan being able to move clubs so a bid for Gabriel would fit into their current transfer strategy.

So, what do we know about the Brazilian? Press the “next page” as we look at six facts about the defender.

His talent has been known from a young age

Gabriel captained Brazil at Under 19 level and he had only played 21 senior games for his first club Avai before he was snapped up by Lille in 2016.

It must be said that he did struggle to settle in initially and he was loaned to both Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb in order to develop his game.

Gabriel offers balance and composure

The centre-back is left-footed which is a rare commodity in the modern game. All of Frank Lampard’s current centre-backs are right-footed so he would offer a different option.

Gabriel is also very composed in possession, which, in a team that has the majority of the ball, is very important.

He is decent in the air and physically capable

The 22-year-old has an aerial duel win percentage of 65.7% this season, according to Wyscout, which is a decent number. At 6ft 3, he shouldn’t get caught out by the physicality of the Premier League.

Speed isn’t an issue for Gabriel either, and he should be able to keep up with most strikers in a one-on-one foot race.

Gabriel has a mentor who has experience of the Premier League

The Brazilian is currently playing alongside the experienced Jose Fonte in the middle of Lille’s defence, and he has been learning off the Portuguese veteran.

Fonte spent ten years playing in English football, and the former Southampton defender’s guidance should hold Gabriel in good stead if he moves to the Premier League.

He won’t cost the earth to sign

Lille’s financial problems are well documented and while the £72m they received from Arsenal for Nicolas Pepe last summer would have helped matters, they remain a selling club.

There are reports that Chelsea have tabled a £31m offer for Gabriel and it will be interesting to see if it is accepted or not.

There are still some question marks

Gabriel is only 22 years of age and up until February last year, he wasn’t even a first-team regular for Lille.

The defender may well be attracting a lot of interest, but he will still have a lot to prove if he does make the move to Stamford Bridge.

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