Chelsea and Arsenal face major competition in race to sign defender

Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Lille defender Gabriel.

The Brazilian has been linked with both London clubs amid speculation that he could move this summer.

However, now it seems that Spanish giants Real Madrid are showing an interest in Gabriel ahead of a possible move for him.

Spanish newspaper AS have suggested that Real have identified him as a possible back-up option after RB Leipzig told them that Dayot Upamecano would cost £54m.

Real boss Zinedine Zidane would apparently prefer to sign Upamecano, but the huge asking price is a stumbling block and the club appear to be looking at other options.

The story has been picked up by The Sun, which has previously touted Gabriel for a move to Chelsea.

The newspaper now suggest the Blues face major competition from Real, so it remains to be seen where Gabriel ends up.

Everton have also been linked with him as the Merseyside club’s owners look to spend big in an attempt to revamp their squad.

A bit about Gabriel 

Signed by Lille in 2017, Gabriel has had loan spells at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb.

He has played for Brazil at Under-20 level and impressed for his country at the 2017 South American Under-20 Championships.

That caught the attention of several European clubs and the player has been tipped to make a big move sooner rather than later.