Arsenal are on the brink of signing Lille defender Gabriel.

L'Equipe says Gabriel is on the cusp of becoming an Arsenal player.

The 22-year-old will join the Gunners on a five-year contract 'in the coming hours' after Mikel Arteta's side moved to the front of the queue for the left-footed centre-back.

Premier League rivals Everton had been keen on a move for Gabriel, but the Merseysiders were muscled out of a deal by interest from both Arsenal and Napoli.

The Italians are said to still be interested in a move for the defender, with the prospect of a higher wage on offer still a possibility.

However, it is Arsenal who have now 'never been so close' to a deal for Gabriel, who could become their second signing from Lille in as many summers following the arrival of Nicolas Pepe last year.