Arsenal have kept in contact with Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes representatives, according to Le10 Sport.

The French magazine reports that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Brazilian over the past month and that a formal approach could happen in the “coming weeks.”

Lille’s asking price for Gabriel is €30m (£27m), and that has already put off Everton who are also said to be keen on the defender.

That type of figure may also keep Arsenal from making an official bid for the 22-year-old, with the London club operating on a tight budget this summer.

Gabriel, who has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, is a left-footed centre-half, which makes him a likely target for manager Mikel Arteta who is believed to be keen on a right-left balance in the middle of defence.

The Gunners are reportedly looking to offload Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis when the transfer window opens, and the proceeds from those potential sales could be invested in Gabriel instead.