Mikel Arteta says he is "pretty positive" that Arsenal can complete the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes, though insists a deal for the Lille centre-back has yet to be finalised.
The Gunners look to have won the race for Gabriel as they work to bolster their defensive options ahead of the looming 2020-21 season, with the Brazilian undergoing a medical in London earlier this week ahead of a £25million move.
Gabriel is thought to have agreed personal terms on a long-term contract with FA Cup holders Arsenal, who saw off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the 22-year-old.
However, Arteta - whose sole summer signing to date saw experienced winger Willian arrive at Emirates Stadium on a three-year deal following his exit from London rivals Chelsea - insists that the transfer is not complete just yet.
"Regarding Gabriel, we cannot announce anything yet, the deal is not finalised - you all know he is a player that we have followed for a long time and hopefully we can get it done," he said at a Zoom press conference held in advance of Saturday's Community Shield clash against Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley.
Pressed if everything was okay with regards to the deal, Arteta added: "Well, everything is okay when both parties sign, and the player agrees the terms and he goes through the medical - sometimes that, in the final stages, is not as easy as it looks. But we are pretty positive that we can do it.
Arsenal's summer transfer window
"Again, when we get it I will be very pleased. He's a player that we've followed and we're very determined that it was the right profile for us to improve our squad. If we are able to finalise it, we will be delighted."
Asked again later about Gabriel during Thursday's media call, Arteta simply said: "We are trying to finalise a deal. That's what I can tell you at the moment."
Gabriel's arrival would come at an ideal time for Arsenal, who have William Saliba now fully fit following a foot injury suffered back on loan at Saint-Etienne last season, but remain without the likes of defensive trio Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers.