Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has described speculation linking Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes with a move to Saudi Arabia as “nonsense”.
According to the Daily Mirror, Gabriel Magalhaes is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Bent cannot see him leaving Arsenal.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Tottenham Hotspur forward said: “It’s nonsense. He won’t go anywhere. Why would he want to go Saudi? He’s at the biggest club in the world!
“He’s been so good, Gabriel. He’s been so consistent. This would be the wrong time to leave Arsenal Football Club. Arsenal are a club that’s transitioning in the right direction. Why would you go now?”
Gabriel is also said to have caught the attention of Real Madrid following Eder Militao’s injury.
The Daily Mail recently reported that the Spanish giants are keen on the 25-year-old, but it is thought that he is happy at the Emirates.
Interest in Gabriel Magalhaes hardly a surprise
Gabriel has really proven himself in the Premier League over the last few seasons.
For example, he won 2.6 aerial duels per game last term, which was the highest average in Arsenal’s squad (WhoScored).
The Brazilian has also been described as a “real leader” by his manager Mikel Arteta.
Ultimately, you can see why he has admirers in the Saudi Pro League and why Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti want him to come in and replace the injured Militao.
When you consider all of the above, though, Arsenal should be doing all they can to keep hold of Gabriel.
He may not be a starter at the the minute, with Arteta going with a central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Ben White for the Gunners’ first two Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, but the former Lille man is still a key member of his squad and should not be sold this summer.
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