Gabriel: The teammate who convinced me to choose Arsenal over Everton

Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe was key to Gabriel Magalhaes’ arrival.

A loan move to Nice followed last summer but Pepe has still played a role in Arsenal topping the Prem.

That’s because he influenced former Lille teammate Gabriel to sign for the Gunners in the summer of 2020.

Gabriel explained last year in quotes carried by Le Petit Lillois: “In the winter [of 2020], before the championship ended, I was already supposed to sign for Everton.

“I passed my medical examination etc, but it was not done. I had already planned to leave after this season.

“I spoke with Napoli, Everton again, then I finally chose Arsenal thanks to Nicolas Pepe who sold me the club well.”