Juventus wanted to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal last summer, but the Gunners now consider the defender “more than untouchable”.

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes runs with the ball past Everton's English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (back) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on February 4, 2023.(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes runs with the ball past Everton’s English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (back) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on February 4, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Gabriel Magalhaes has been a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team this season, making 45 appearances and playing more minutes than any other player in the squad.

Yet Juventus were hoping to pry the centre-back away from north London last summer, according to claims from Fabrizio Romano.

“To bring you behind the scenes, last summer Juventus wanted a left-footed centre-back too, and the name they had on the list was Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal,” Romano said (via The Boot Room).

“They really wanted Gabriel, but it was impossible because Arsenal considered him untouchable, and of course now he is more than untouchable.”

Multiple outlets reported on potential Juventus interest in Gabriel at the time, but the Brazilian 25-year-old played down any talk of a potential departure.

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

“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 Magalhaes signs a new contract with Arsenal, alongside Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Gabriel Magalhaes signs a new contract with Arsenal, alongside Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Gabriel then made his commitment to Arsenal clear in October, signing a new long-term contract with the club lasting until 2027.

Arsenal were evidently never keen to let Gabriel go, and his contract extension ensures they won’t be backed into a corner anytime soon. But it seems fair to assume the defender never had any intention to push for an exit anyway.