Paul Merson has written in The Daily Star that Arsenal signing Gabriel would be a big statement.
The former Arsenal star – who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports – believes that the Gunners bringing the Lille defender to the Emirates Stadium this summer would be “huge”.
According to Sky Sports, Gabriel is set to join Arsenal from Lille for £27 million.
The report has claimed that Manchester United and Everton also wanted the 22-year-old left-footed central defender, but he has decided to move to the Gunners.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has said that although the “deal is not finalised”, he is hopeful that the Brazilian youngster will be his player soon, as quoted on Sky Sports.
Merson wrote in The Daily Star: “If Arsenal sign Gabriel Magalhaes I think it’s a big statement because of all the other clubs that were after him.
“If Arsenal have managed to get him in without having Champions League football to offer, I think that’s huge.”
Big signing for Arsenal
Gabriel is a very talented and promising young central defender, and United’s reported interest in him shows just how highly he is rated.
Although Arsenal have quite a few centre-backs on their books, the Brazilian would enhance the quality of the Gunners at the back, and given his age, he is only going to get better.
The Gunners will be aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table next season and will also play in the Europa League in 2020-21.
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