Arsenal 'will sign Gabriel Magalhaes on five-year deal from Lille'

Arsenal are set to snap up Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes on a five-year-deal, with the Brazilian defender on the verge of sealing his move to the Emirates.

The in-demand centre-back has enjoyed a solid season at the back for the Ligue 1 outfit, triggering interest from a host of teams across Europe - with the Gunners agreeing a fee to sign the £22million star this week.

And according to the Telegraph, the centre-back will sign a deal until 2025 after holding contract talks with the club.

Napoli and Everton are both believed to have been keen on Magalhaes, with the Serie A side also agreeing a fee with Lille, while the Toffees pulled out, the report adds.

But he is expected to turn down the Naples outfit after previously speaking with head of football Raul Sanllehi - who left the club last week- and the report claims talks have since gone forward with technical director Edu and head coach Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal were forced to 'fight hard' to sign Lille's star man, battling against a host of interest from rival clubs after president Gerard Lopez hinted he would be sold.

Arteta has made it clear he is looking to strengthen his back-line after finishing eighth last season and his defenders coming under fire for some high-profile mistakes.

Pablo Mari has already joined on a permanent deal while starlet William Saliba has returned to the club after a loan spell at St Etienne - so Arteta should be pleased with the improvements if and when the deal is confirmed.

There have been question marks over the future of Sokratis and Calum Chambers, so Magalhaes will help fill the void if the club decide to offload any deadwood.

Reports from France have claimed the deal to bring him to Arsenal is just 'hours away' from a move to north London, which would see him link up with fellow Brazilian David Luiz and new addition Willian.