Real Madrid’s search for a new central defender following the injury to Eder Militao led them to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

However, despite interest from both Real Madrid and Saudi Arabian clubs, the Brazilian centre-back has made the decision to remain at the North London club.

  • Real Madrid considered Gabriel Magalhaes as a replacement for the injured Eder Militao, but the Arsenal defender declined the move.
  • Gabriel’s decision to remain at Arsenal also saw him reject interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
  • Real Madrid have decided not to go to the market despite Militao’s season-long injury
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel after their team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel after their team’s victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The loss of Eder Militao to a season-long knee injury has posed a significant problem for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian, who is a crucial part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, suffered the injury against Athletic in San Mamés, leading Real Madrid to seek potential replacements.

Among those considered was Gabriel Magalhaes, the Arsenal centre-back.

Militao underwent knee surgery last week, an injury that will likely keep him off the pitch for the majority of the season.

Real Madrid’s management initially debated whether to pursue a replacement, but they eventually decided to examine existing options rather than enter the market after Gabriel said ‘no thanks’.

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes (R) vies with Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (C) during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes (R) vies with Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri (C) during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to reports, Real Madrid focused on Gabriel, who caught the attention of many in the football world for his performances at Arsenal last season.

The 25-year-old Brazilian was a consistent choice for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, though he has started as a substitute this season.

Despite Real Madrid’s clear interest, Gabriel has chosen to remain loyal to Arsenal, declining the overtures not only from the Spanish giants but also from clubs in Saudi Arabia, who have expressed an interest in signing him.

The English press has stressed that the interest from Real Madrid was genuine, but Gabriel’s commitment to Arsenal appears unwavering, as does Arsenal’s to the player.

Arteta was asked about the speculation around Gabriel after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace and if there was any truth to the rumours. “Nothing at all,” Arteta said.

Arsenal's Ukrainian defender #35 Oleksandr Zinchenko (L), Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder #05 Thomas Partey (2L), Arsenal's English goalkeeper #01 Aaron Ramsdale (2R) and Arsenal's Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes celebrate their win after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 21, 2023. Arsenal won the game 0-1. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Ukrainian defender #35 Oleksandr Zinchenko (L), Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder #05 Thomas Partey (2L), Arsenal’s English goalkeeper #01 Aaron Ramsdale (2R) and Arsenal’s Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes celebrate their win after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 21, 2023. Arsenal won the game 0-1. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“It’s about the games we were expecting. How I wanted to defend and attack.

“I believe it was the best thing, he played in both games and helped us win both games. He was really good today when he came on, he was dominant and will play a lot of games.”

The decision by Gabriel to stay put at Arsenal could be seen as a significant statement of intent both by the player and the club. Arsenal will undoubtedly benefit from retaining a player of Gabriel’s calibre, especially at a time when the club is looking to solidify its defence.

Real Madrid’s decision not to aggressively pursue a new central defender after Militao’s injury also reveals an interesting strategy by Ancelotti and the club’s management.

It might suggest a level of confidence in their existing defensive options or a determination to develop and promote talent within their ranks.