Temas: Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal, Manchester United, Napoli, Lille, English Premier League, Transfer
The 22-year-old defender is set to be announced as the Gunners' second signing this summer.

Arsenal have all but secured the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes, the highly-rated Brazilian center-back who was on the radar of several top European clubs. After an impressive season with Lille, the likes of Man United, Everton, Napoli, and Chelsea all came calling.

In fact, Man City and Bayern Munich reportedly made late inquiries in a bid to hijack his move to the Emirates Stadium. Regardless, the north London giants have landed their man and it has now been revealed why the 22-year-old snubbed other suitors for Arteta's side.

Of the aforementioned clubs, Man Utd and Napoli were said to be the only concrete challengers for his signature. Speaking to Freddie Paxton of the Guardian and Times Sport, the player's agent Guilherme Miranda revealed that Gabriel received better, more lucrative proposals elsewhere. This is understandable given that the Red Devils are in the Champions League next season and have more funds at their exposal. Despite this, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu were the reason behind his decision as they convinced the Brazilian of the project at the Emirates Stadium.

"Arsenal was nowhere near the best proposal [money wise]. Gabriel chose them over more lucrative offers because Edu convinced us of the project. It's 100% because of Edu Gaspar and Arteta," the agent told Paxton.

This is an interesting revelation, one that will only add to Arteta's increasing popularity in north London. The Spaniard was appointed as the true successor to Unai Emery back in December and despite the club's eighth-placed finish in the league, the Gunners have enjoyed tremendous change under Guardiola's former no.2. Their FA Cup triumph cemented the inexperienced but promising gaffer as a man to be respected ahead of the highly-anticipated 2020/21 campaign.