Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has poured cold water on recent links to FC Barcelona by revealing that he is happy in north London.
In an interview with the Premier League via the Evening Standard, the Brazilian international said that he feels at home with Arsenal amid recent rumours suggesting that Barcelona will make a move for Gabriel.
According to Sport, the La Liga giants are interested in the 24-year-old, with Xavi Hernandez a fan of the Arsenal star and keen to launch a €40m (£34m) plus player offer for Gabriel, who has been key to the Gunners this season.
Despite the report stating that the defender would be open to a move, Gabriel has now quashed these accusations, with the centre-back stating that he is happy at Arsenal and focused on their charge for top-four.
Gabriel said amid Barcelona’s interest in the defender: “I feel good, I feel at home at Arsenal. It’s a great squad to be a part of and together I am sure we can achieve a lot. I am very happy here. Reaching the top four is our aim, but we know how tough it will be.”
The Brazilian added: “It’s a big challenge but I do believe we can get there. We are working hard and it’s the target we want to achieve. We have to stick together. We need to be focused to get good results.”
Arsenal can breathe a sigh of relief over Barcelona’s interest in Gabriel
Gabriel has been a unit for Arsenal this season and a key member of the Gunners’ defence, with the centre-back pairing well with Ben White in one of the best backlines in the Premier League.
And the defender’s own words of how he feels at home in the English capital is massive for Arsenal’s future, with Gabriel moving to Barcelona no doubt a huge fear some fans have had over the past few days.
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