Arsenal transfer off, with priceless player ‘expected to stay’ after huge Arteta powerplay
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have zero intention of selling Gabriel Magalhaes despite an apparent demotion down the order, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the eye-catching move the club have taken to ward off interest.
The Brazilian centre-back had started 73 consecutive Premier League matches heading into the 2023/24 campaign. However, that streak was snapped on opening day, with the 25-year-old among the substitutes during the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Speculation over a slight injury issue swirled, though Gabriel was called upon from the bench against Steve Cooper’s side.
Fast forward a week and Gabriel was once again left out of the starting line-up against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The surprise move from Mikel Arteta came at a time where Gabriel has reportedly emerged as a key target for the Saudi Pro League. Many a high profile player have been lured to Saudi Arabia this summer.
However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are in no way inclined to do business for Gabriel any time soon.
Taking to Twitter to quash the exit rumours, Romano tweeted: “Understand Arsenal have no intention to sell Gabriel Magalhaes despite Al Ittihad interest.”
Rubber-stamping Arsenal’s desire to retain a player who clearly still has a big role to play in north London, Romano noted Arsenal won’t even verbalise a price tag to would-be suitors.
In other words, Gabriel is a near-priceless player for Arteta and co who will not be selling the defender this month.
Romano concluded Gabriel is “expected to stay”, and with Takehiro Tomiyasu picking up a red card against Palace, Gabriel may find himself recalled to the starting eleven against Fulham next Saturday.
With Jurrien Timber ruled out with an ACL injury, Ben White can expect to be deployed back at right-back – the position he made his own last season.
That will open the door for Gabriel to re-form his imposing partnership at the heart of defence with William Saliba.
