Shirt number, fee revealed as Arsenal announce Gabriel Magalhaes deal

Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal have formally announced the signing of Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes on a long-term deal understood to be until 2025.

The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium for a fee understood to be in the region of £22million.

Gabriel joins fellow Brazilians David Luiz and Willian in north London.

Gabriel joined Lille in January 2017, having started his career in Brazil with Avai.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on the club website: “He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.

“He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes. We are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”

On Gabriel’s signing, Arsenal technical director Edu said: “He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand by many clubs. We are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player.

 

“Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”

The defender will wear the No 6 shirt at Arsenal and will compete alongside another new boy, William Saliba, for a shirt.

 

 

Ozil has mega offer to quit Arsenal

Arsenal’s finances could be helped should their bid to offload Mesut Ozil prove successful.

Mesut.Ozil_.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

As per reports Ozil has been approached by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

The Riyadh-based side want to sign Ozil this summer, but are willing to wait to sign him for free next summer if a transfer fee cannot be agreed.

The mammoth offer equates to around £288,000 a week before tax.

Ozil was left out of the squad for the Community Shield win over Liverpool at the weekend. He has not featured for the club since the return of football after the coronavirus break.

Read more on the approach here….