Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly ‘excited’ about new interest in the Brazilian international this week from FC Barcelona.
According to Sport, the 24-year-old centre-back has been receptive to reports this week that the European giants are interested in the former LOSC Lille star, with Barcelona eyeing a new central defender this summer.
As per the report, Xavi Hernandez is looking to add a fifth centre-back to the Barcelona squad for next season, and Gabriel has emerged as a target for the La Liga side, with Arsenal valuing the South American at €40m (£33m).
Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season, with the defender forming a reliable partnership at the back with Ben White, with William Saliba expected to join the centre-back union next season.
However, the defender’s form this season has now caught the eye of Barcelona, and the Catalan club are confident in securing a deal for Gabriel, with Arsenal having a good business relationship with the Catalan giants.
Indeed, Edu Gaspar has worked with many players on Barcelona’s books, and with the La Liga side willing to offer Arsenal a player in exchange for Gabriel, this could be a transfer saga to keep an eye on.
Arsenal must shut down Barcelona links to Gabriel immediately
Arsenal are no strangers to selling their best players to Barcelona, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and more recently Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all making the move to the Nou Camp.
However, given Gabriel’s quality and role in the squad, Arsenal must under no circumstances sell the Brazilian to Barcelona, with the defender showing the traits that could make him a star in north London for many years to come.
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