ARSENAL DEFENDER’S FUTURE IN DOUBT AS CLUB PREPARES FOR TRANSFER OFFER
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal were reportedly ready to let Gabriel Magalhaes leave the club last summer. The Gunners had their sights set on former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte as his replacement. However, Gabriel’s exceptional performance this season alongside William Saliba has proven his worth to the team.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal boasts the best defensive record in the league. Conceding only 29 times throughout the 2023-24 campaign, Gabriel and Saliba have become one of Europe’s best centre-half partnerships.
Since September, Gabriel has been a mainstay in the Arsenal starting XI, only missing one game. His absence during the 5-0 victory against Sheffield United in October was the only time he didn’t play the full 90 minutes in the 28 league games since then.
At the start of the season, Gabriel was left out of the starting XI for the first three games. Mikel Arteta explained it as a tactical decision, but reports suggest that his future at the club was uncertain during that period. Arsenal was anticipating an offer from the Saudi Pro League and had already drawn up a list of potential replacements.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was one of the players on that list, along with Aymeric Laporte, who had just won the treble with Manchester City. However, City made it clear that they were not willing to do business with Arsenal, as they didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival.
In the end, Laporte left the Premier League and joined Al-Nassr in a deal worth £27.5 million, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
After the transfer window closed, Gabriel returned to the Arsenal side and played a crucial role in their 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
Gabriel’s impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad for this summer’s Copa America. Unfortunately, he was forced off the pitch after 60 minutes in Arsenal’s final game of the season against Everton.
