Real Madrid edge nearer to securing United wonderkid JJ Gabriel

Sixteen-year-old JJ Gabriel is set to sign for Real Madrid in January, ending an Arsenal-linked saga; the deal is reportedly very advanced and will see the Manchester United youngster sign a long‑term contract with the Spanish giants, according to reports earlier this week.

Photo by David Ornstein for The Athletic earlier this week reported that Gabriel is expected to join Real Madrid in the January transfer window.

Arsenal had previously been linked with the player, but The Athletic claim the strongest interest came from Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and, of course, Real Madrid.

Manchester United try to retain him

Manchester United also made a serious effort to retain the teenager.

Gabriel posed for a photo holding a newspaper that announced he is on the verge of the transfer to Madrid.

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His attempts to terminate his contract relied on the prospect of moving abroad once he turned sixteen.

Arsenal hoped to persuade him by pointing to the first‑team chances given to Max Dowman, suggesting similar opportunities could arise.

Before his fallout with Manchester United, the club were reportedly planning to include Gabriel in their senior squad for a League Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion.

By the time that match arrived, the relationship between United and Gabriel’s camp was already deemed unsalvageable.