Arsenal and Napoli are the only two clubs left in the running for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to reports in the French media.

The two teams are believed to have had bids of €30m (£27m) accepted for the Brazilian, with the likes of Manchester United, Everton having withdrawn from the battle.

Lille president Gerard Lopez has confirmed that the Ligue One side have accepted offers for Gabriel and, while he doesn’t mention which clubs are in talks for the 22-year-old, he says a decision from the player is expected very soon:

“The way we work is very simple. We explain to him [Gabriel] and his environment, his agent, what we’re looking for, and once we get those offers the choice is his. We are there now, so we told him: Eventually you have to make a decision but we’re not pressing you.”

“I think he will make it this week, or next week at the latest. He is leaving, we’ve given the OK for that. There’s a lot of competition. He’s a young player so he’s got to make sure he makes the right decision. We help him out a little bit so we tell him: We think this might be the right manager or club for you.”

It seems head coach Mikel Arteta is very keen on finding a left-footed centre-half who can compliment William Saliba, and Gunners fans will be keenly anticipating whether they can get this deal over the line.

There had been reports last week that Gabriel was close to making a decision but, as Lopez suggests, the player is taking his time with an important career choice.