Gabriel Magalhaes is drawing serious interest from Saudi Arabia, but Arsenal aren’t keen to sell the centre-back this summer.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is being targeted for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, according to the Mirror. John Cross reports that the Gunners are aware of the interest, though they’ve previously rebuffed interest in Gabriel.
Arsenal are reportedly under no pressure to sell, and Cross adds that the fact Jurrien Timber looks set for a lay-off will mean the club are keen that there is no firm bid for Gabriel.
Ryan Taylor reports for the Express that Arsenal currently have no plans to sell Gabriel. They’re actually looking to add to their options at left-centre-back, not to subtract from them.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Sami Mokbel echoes John Cross’ report, confirming that there’s interest in Gabriel from one of the centrally-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Mokbel adds that it remains to be seen whether Arsenal would even consider a sale.
In the past, Arsenal and Gabriel have been clear that they don’t want to part ways. That includes earlier this summer, when Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly considering a move.
Reports suggested then that Gabriel was excited to play in the Champions League with Arsenal, and he wanted to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
The centre-back wasn’t even thinking about a summer move, regardless of the club interested in him.
There had also been claims of interest in Gabriel from Juventus, but Fabrizio Romano reported that the defender was ‘untouchable’ last summer, and that’s the case to an even greater extent now.
“It’s always nice to get that recognition but I’m really focused on Arsenal,’ Gabriel said last year.
“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.”
A year on, after 48 appearances in 2022/23, Gabriel is unlikely to feel differently. One game out of the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest shouldn’t have changed the situation significantly.