Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has emerged as a transfer target for a Saudi Arabian club.
At least one unnamed Saudi Arabian outfit is interested in signing Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, as reported by The Mirror. Arsenal know about the interest in Gabriel, and as things stand they are yet to make a firm decision about his future.
Gabriel’s place in Mikel Arteta’s plans has already been cast in some doubt this season. Following 73 consecutive Premier League starts for the Gunners, the Brazilian was left out of Arteta’s starting XI that opened the campaign against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Arteta later stated that Gabriel had been left out due to tactical reasons, in a move that saw Thomas Partey become part of the back four. However, the 25-year-old was introduced from the bench late on to help Arsenal close out their win against Steve Cooper’s side at the Emirates Stadium.
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However, this report of a potential exit for Gabriel raises the question as to whether his match-day omission was linked to doubts over his future at the club.
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Gabriel still has plenty to give at Arsenal
Despite being left out for the first Premier League weekend of the season, it is highly unlikely that Gabriel has fallen down the pecking order in north London in any significant way. Alongside William Saliba, he helped form the bedrock of Arsenal’s success last season.
Gabriel is an important player to Arsenal, and still has his best years ahead of him. He has consistently improved year on year since his £27 million arrival from Lille in 2020, and there is no reason to think he won’t step up his game again this time around.
It would surely take an astronomical bid from Saudi Arabia, or anywhere for that matter, to convince Arsenal to part with the 6’3” centre-back this summer. Whilst Saudi Arabian clubs can certainly splash the cash in that manner it’s hard to see such a deal for Gabriel coming to fruition.