Arsenal are set on agreeing a deal with Lille for Gabriel, expected to join Arsenal this week

Gabriel and the Arsenal are very close to finalising the deal, say L'Equipe.

However, Napoli could make a last-minute intervention as they are very keen on the defender.

The Telegraph insist the 23-year-old has already made his decision and has 'elected' to join the Gunners.

The transfer is expected to cost between €25m and €30m.

L'Equipe, a relatively reliable French source, state that the Gunners 'have never been this close' to landing their target Gabriel.

The sides are expected to reach an agreement 'in the coming hours' as the defender will sign a five-year deal.

However, Napoli can make a last-ditch attempt to do a Real Sociedad and hijack the deal. The Italians can offer him a higher wage.

In case Gennaro Gattuso's side do not come back with a new offer, Arsenal will announce the signing of the 23-year-old this week as everything is already agreed with Lille.

Another reliable source, The Telegraph, states the Gunners have already agreed a contract with the Brazilian, deciding to reject Napoli's approach.

Gabriel is a ball-playing centre-back. He is known for his ability to play out from the back and start quick counters with diagonal passes. The Brazilian is also good at tackling and is a threat in the air.

As per L'Equipe, Arsenal will pay Lille €30m for the defender. The Telegraph insist on €25m.

Journalist Duncan Castles even adds that the north Londoners have already booked a medical for the defender and the Brazilian will be assessed on Thursday.

In case Gabriel joins, the Gunners will have 8 centre-backs in the squad but some of them – namely, Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis – could be sold.