Gabriel Magalhaes was approached by two clubs this summer, but Arsenal stood firm against the interest in him.

Fabrizio Romano reports that over the summer, Gabriel Magalhaes was approached by two clubs. One of them was Juventus, as a replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, the other club remains unnamed.

But throughout the summer window, Arsenal maintained their position that Gabriel was untouchable, instead pushing for the player to extend his deal.

In the end, that’s what happened, with Gabriel signing a five-year deal to 2027 last month.

Romano isn’t the only reporter to reveal Juventus’ interest in the Arsenal centre-back. CBS Sports and The Telegraph both wrote in July that Juventus wanted Gabriel, but Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar both shared the view that he was a key player for Arsenal.

The player himself was also reportedly pushing back against a move, with the suggestion that he’s settled in London and at Arsenal.

“It’s always nice to get that recognition but I’m really focused on Arsenal,” Gabriel said.

“I am very happy here. I’ve got a good relationship with my teammates and I am fully committed to the project.

“I am convinced that, with the project we have, we can achieve a lot.”

Gabriel appears to be a key part of that project, making 18 appearances already this season. No Arsenal player has played more than the Brazilian defender this campaign, with the team top of the league and winning their Europa League group.