Brazilia’s centre-back, Gabriel, has joined Arsenal on a long-term contract for £27 million.
Arsenal beat off competition from Manchester United, Everton and Napoli for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
Gabriel was signed from French club Lille at a fee of £27 million.
Manchester United, Everton and Napoli had all held an interest in Gabriel.
The Brazilian made 34 appearances in all competitions in the 2019/2020 season as Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1.
Gabriel is Arsenal’s second major summer signing following compatriot Willian’s move from Chelsea on a free transfer.
He played in all six of Lille’s Champions League group stage matches last season.
He is the second player to join Arsenal from Lille in the past 12 months, following Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe’s move to the Emirates for a club-record £72m last summer.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website, Coach Mikel Arteta says:
“We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. “He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.”
“He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”
Technical director Edu says “We are delighted to have signed Gabriel. He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player.”
“Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”
By Melvin Tarlue