Lille captain Jose Fonte concedes Gabriel Magalhaes has asked about the Premier League, fuelling rumours of an impending transfer to Arsenal.
The French side are resigned to losing Gabriel ahead of next season and have given the defender permission to talk with other teams.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that the Gunners had reached an agreement with Lille which is worth £22m for Gabriel and he is expected to make a decision over his future.
Manchester United are yet to make a bid for Gabriel after making their interest known but Napoli are still in the race for the centre-back.
But, Arsenal are favourites to sign Gabriel and his team-mate, Fonte, has opened up on their conversations about a move to England.
When quizzed about the rumours surrounding Gabriel, Fonte told talkSPORT: ‘I think it’s quite public, to be honest. The club have allowed him to speak with other clubs and he’s in the process of moving.
‘It’s just about him choosing which club, which is a great position to be in. He just needs to choose where he wants to go so that’s fantastic.
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‘They are all good clubs so I’m very happy for him. He’s a great player. ‘We need to understand that it’s every player’s dream to play in the Premier League and he’s been asking questions about the Premier League and clubs in the Premier League so I try to give the best and honest opinions.
Fonte added: ‘Hopefully he will make his decision and he will be very successful with it. ‘I have no doubt about it.’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is determined to improve his defense this summer despite already landing William Saliba.
