Gabriel Magalhaes Arsenal transfer: Replacement identified, Arteta admission, Saudi meeting

Gabriel Magalhaes’ future at Arsenal remains uncertain.

The commanding centre-back has been linked with a surprise exit from the Gunners after struggling for minutes so far this season. The Brazilian defender, who was a mainstay of the team last term, has not started a single match yet this campaign, having to come off the bench to shore things up as Mikel Arteta’s protected leads.

That was before Saturday, when he was once again on the bench against Fulham, but did not get a chance to make it onto the pitch during the 2-2 draw. Exit rumours have begun circulating with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both mooted as potential destinations for the 25-year-old.

However, the strongest interest arrived from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad with the President of the Saudi Federation said to have held a meeting with the player. With all of that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest news surrounding the former Lille star and the possibility of a transfer away from north London.

Guehi option
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could target Crystal Palace centre-half Marc Guehi if Gabriel heads out the Emirates Stadium exit door this summer. football.london reported back in May that Guehi was among the players being considered by the north Londoners this summer.

Reports stated earlier this year that the Eagles would look to fetch a fee in the region of £50million for their star defender. But Roy Hodgson’s side would be inclined to demand a much higher fee for the England international at this stage of the transfer window given how little time there is left to find a suitable replacement.

Arteta update
Gabriel was once again on the bench against Fulham on Saturday and despite Arsenal leading 2-1 late into the game, Arteta decided against putting him on, as he has done in the previous two Premier League fixtures this season.

The Gunners would go on to concede a late goal to Palhinha and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, ruining their 100% start to the season.

Before the match, Arteta had offered an update on the defender’s situation. He said: “I don’t know if he understands but I told him. I think he understands the reason, whether he agrees or not, that’s something different. But the best way to do it is when you play, just tell me how blind I’m wrong, I am.”

Gabriel was not given that chance on Saturday and it could be a big week for him and the club, with the potential for a change in formation and plans against Manchester United next weekend offering him a role back in the side…if he’s still at the club.

Saudi Arabia boost
Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have reportedly turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos having received no sign that Gabriel will leave Arsenal.

Reports in France (via the Daily Express), Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are looking to sign Marquinhos and have also considered a swoop for Raphael Varane – though the Manchester United star is reported to be happy at Old Trafford.

Arteta’s firm verdict
Mikel Arteta has dismissed talk of Gabriel leaving the club this summer despite the Arsenal boss omitting him from the starting XI of the first two Premier League games of the season.

“Nothing at all,” he said when asked if links to Saudi influenced his decision to leave him out of the starting XI. “It’s about the games that we were expecting, what I was expecting, how we wanted to defend and attack and our belief it was the best thing.

“He’s played in both games, he’s helped us to win both games for different reasons. He was really good today, he absolutely dominated the box. He’s going to play a lot of games. That’s the decision sometimes.”

Arteta then also shook his head when asked if he was interested in any offers from the Middle East.

Captain decision
Gabriel was brought on for the final 20 minutes of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after Takehiro Tomiyasu was shown a red card.

Club captain Martin Odegaard was then withdrawn with the Norway international handing Gabriel the captain’s armband which certainly hints the Gunners have no intention of selling as he is an important part of the leadership group.

On Instagram Saliba also replied to Gabriel’s post after the game with the comment, “capitano” *arm flexed emoji.

Arsenal exit stance
Arsenal have zero intention of selling Gabriel in the summer window, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, which could result in a lucrative offer arriving, it has also been noted their stance on him not being for sale is so strong, an asking price has not even been set.

Saudi meeting
Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad are the team with the most concrete interest in signing Gabriel from Arsenal this summer.

Real Madrid and PSG interest
Carlo Ancelotti has identified Gabriel as a potential replacement for Eder Militao who is set for a lengthy spell out of the Real Madrid team with a knee injury.

Los Blancos have a genuine interest in the Brazil international but he is also said to be happy at Arsenal. An enquiry has also reportedly been made by French champions Paris Saint-Germain.