Real Madrid join Chelsea, others in Gabriel Magalhães sweepstakes — report

While the Chelsea track on Gabriel Magalhães has gone a bit cold in recent weeks, it’s likely that we are still interested in the 22-year-old centre back due to the lack of other viable options in the market. Everton and Arsenal were also reported to be in the race, with the former seemingly within touching distance of the finishing line, but suddenly there is fresh competition and not trivial either.

According to Diario AS, Real Madrid have also put Gabriel on their shortlist as they look to strengthen their defensive setup. His compatriot Éder Militão, has failed to make his mark thus far, and with Sergio Ramos not getting any younger, Los Blancos need to start planning for the future.

Real’s first-choice target is apparently Dayot Upamecano, but its starting to look likely that the he will stay at Leipzig for at least one more season. Moreover, Real Madrid are also trying to cut back on their spending due to the current financial climate, and have therefore started looking at Gabriel who could be a much more frugal signing at a reported €35m asking price. His young age and his left-footedness — both Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane are right-footed — makes him all the more enticing.

Lille tend to sell their star players for the right price in order to bring in funds for new signings and with the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season being cancelled, they will be even more willing to offload the likes of Gabriel.

Chelsea’s move for the defender may never amount to anything more than idle speculation, but we sure could use an upgrade or two at the position as well. With lockdowns being slowly lifted in phases across England and the rest of Europe, Chelsea may need to accelerate the process of getting clarity on our centre backs’ futures so that we can all start planning for next season.