Arsenal Eagerly Await Final Decision Of Magalahaes, Aubameyang Before Taking Next Recruitment Steps

Arsenal F.C. knows it has a lot of work ahead though the Gunners have a tight budget. A reshuffling of players is expected for Mikel Arteta to bring in the ones he has been targeting. But a better picture of what direction Arsenal is headed may be known once Gabriel Magalhaes announces his final decision.

Arsenal and Napoli are in a tight race for the services of the Brazilian defender and a decision is expected to be announced in the coming days. Lille OSC president Gerard Lopez said via Sky Sports that several clubs have met their expectations and that they have given Magalhaes ample time to decide.

“We spoke to a number of clubs, our expectations were met by a number of clubs and we have given him [Gabriel] the time to decide," Lopez said. “It is going to be entirely his decision. We tend to try and steer our players in certain directions, but at the end of the day it’s the player’s decision."

As mentioned in a previous post, Arsenal appeared to be in the lead after Lille accepted their €30 million ($35 million) bid for Magalhaes. Aside from Napoli and the Gunners, other clubs linked to the 22-year-old defender were Manchester United and Everton. The Red Devils have focused on someone else while Everton's pitch was rejected by Les Douges.

For the Gunners, the decision of Magalhaes may weigh heavily. it could determine if they can still pursue other targets such as Malang Sarr and Axel Disasi. Assuming that the Brazilian chooses Emirates Stadium, the Gunners are looking good.

Already onboard is Willian Borges da Silva who was signed to a free transfer. But the other big decision the Gunners are waiting for is on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon national is expected to make his decision soon though some feel that he will stick with Arsenal.

The coming days should be interesting for Arsenal with most feeling the said names will comprise the club next season. Some camps are suggesting that nothing is definite, downplaying the imminent transfer of Magalhaes and signing of Aubameyang. All Arsenal followers can do now is wait, probably the same thing that Arteta and Gunners' management are doing right now.