Everton and Arsenal could look to reignite interest in Lille defender Gabriel in the summer after missing out on a deal to sign him in January, according to Le10 Sport.
Both the Toffees and the Gunners were interested in strengthening their centre-back options last month, with Arsenal eventually electing to sign Flamengo defender Pablo Mari on loan, while Everton did not sign anyone.
Mari was signed in the final days of the window, however the London outfit were interested in signing a different player before landing on him as a target, as were Everton, so reports the French outlet.
22-year Gabriel made a name for himself with Lille last season under Christophe Galtier, and he has continued to be a mainstay of the club this season, starting 18 times in Ligue 1 for Les Dogues (WhoScored).
According to Le10 Sport, both Everton and Arsenal made ‘firm offers’ for the defender, although Lille’s board didn’t deem them acceptable, instead agreeing to extend Gabriel’s contract at the club.
The report also believes that both clubs are still interested, and that there is a strong chance that the pair could make an improved offer once the season has ended.
Read Everton Verdict
Everton didn’t sign a senior centre-back in January, leaving them with just Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane to see out the season with, and while they may get away with that over the next four months, they will certainly need to deepen their squad options ahead of next season, should they wish to compete on multiple fronts.
Transfermarkt list Gabriel’s valuation at £13.5million, which would be a respectable fee for Everton to pay, but the French club are likely to demand more for a player who is thought of highly in France.
Should Everton reignite interest though, with Carlo Ancelotti said to be given funds to spend in the summer as he looks to rebuild Everton’s squad (Football Insider), Gabriel could end up becoming a prime target.
