Arsenal & Everton 'tabled bids for Magalhaes in January but Lille rejected'

Arsenal and Everton reportedly had offers rejected for Lille centre back Gabriel Magalhaes in the January transfer window.

Both Premier League clubs have looked frail defensively so far this season and were looking to bolster their backline to get back on track in the English top flight.

And according to Le10 Sport, the Gunners and the Toffees tabled concrete bids for the Brazilian defender during the winter market but their offers failed to meet Lille's valuation.

It has been a breakthrough season for Gabriel, who has made 18 starts in Ligue 1 for Lille and a further six in the Champions League.

Following Arsenal and Everton's pursuits of Gabriel, Lille have since locked him down to a new contract until 2023.

However, the report also claims that Lille may have to let their defender depart if an acceptable offer comes in for him in the summer transfer window.

Both Arsenal and Everton are expected to follow Gabriel closely throughout the remainder of the season.

Arsenal eventually signed centre back Pablo Mari on an initial six-month loan deal from Flamengo in January before he will join the club permanently in the summer.

Meanwhile, Everton failed to make a signing during Carlo Ancelotti's first transfer window in charge of the club.