Gabriel Magalhaes in action for Lille. (Image credit: Google)
According to Telefoot (h/t The Sun), Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has admitted about his desire to play in the Premier League and Everton have been credited with an interest in him.
The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park has brought optimism within the club as they have been beaten in only one league game under him. They are currently 9th in the league standings, two points ahead of 10th-placed Arsenal and are chasing qualification for the Europa League.
Despite the Toffees’ positive run of form, their defence has been slightly shaky. They have kept only 2 clean sheets under the Italian manager. The likes of Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, and Michael Keane have done a decent job but they need to raise their game defensively.
Given the lack of depth in the squad, it would be wise of Ancelotti to bring in reinforcements to the backline. Hence, Gabriel Magalhaes would be a good buy for Everton.
The report also suggests that Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on the Lille defender after seeing his impressive performances in the French league this term. Hence, the Toffees should make a move for him before other teams.
Mina and Holgate have been performing consistently at the back for the Toffees, whereas, Keane has been in and out of the team in the past few weeks. Apart from them, there are no established centre-backs in the squad. Ancelotti must prioritize strengthening the backline first if he intends to get better results next season Therefore, making a move for Magalhaes would be wise.
The Brazilian started with Avai Futebol Clube before moving to Lille in 2017. He was sent on loan spells to Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb before returning to Lille. Though he initially found it difficult to get into the starting XI, he has been a regular member of the squad since the second half of last campaign.
After a foot injury kept him out of action earlier, he has featured in 21 Ligue 1 games this season and has helped his side keep 9 clean sheets in the process.
At 22, it would be the right time for Magalhaes to step into the Premier League and with Everton, he can sharpen his skills. He would be a good backup and can slowly develop into a key player if he moves in the right direction.
Therefore, the Toffees should add depth to their squad by signing the Brazilian in the summer.
