Arsenal are not entertaining prospects about selling Gabriel Magalhaes to Saudi Arabia or other suitors in this window.
Fabrizio Romano has calmed down rumours of a possible sale of Gabriel Magalhaes, insisting Arsenal are uninterested in such a prospect. The Brazilian international became the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in recent weeks. But the Gunners remain unmoved by the idea.
Fabrizio Romano did not mention Al-Ittihad. But other outlets have taken the Saudi club’s name concerning an interest in Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian defender has not started Arsenal’s opening two games. It further fueled speculation about his future.
When Mikel Arteta got asked about the defender’s situation and why he got left out of the starting lineup, he simply said, “Out of the starting XI due to offers? Nothing at all; it was just about games that we were expecting… trust me, Gabriel is gonna play a lot of games”.
From an outside view, Arteta continues to experiment with his squad and his best possible starting lineup, especially amid the unavailability of Jurrien Timber. Gabriel has been one of his most vital players in many years, especially last season. Still, there have been rumours about Saudi interest in the defender.
Understand Arsenal have no intention to sell Gabriel Magalhães despite Al Ittihad interest 🔴⚪️⛔️ #AFC
Arsenal not even intentioned to indicate a price tag for Brazilian centre back at this stage. He’s expected to stay. pic.twitter.com/fNDP8WFGXv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2023
The Brazilian is as essential in the teamsheet as William Saliba, and the pair remain the best centre-back pairing for Arteta this season. The Gunners performed well against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace without the Brazilian. His introduction was only a measure to balance the act after difficult in-game moments.
In light of Eder Militao’s knee injury, Real Madrid were also linked with Gabriel. Then, for a few weeks, Saudi Pro League had become the thick subject about the Brazilian. Some reports in England mentioned Al-Ittihad’s reported interest.
As for Arsenal, they do not want to open the Saudi door, like Liverpool did, and face a difficult situation at the end of the transfer window. Hence, as Romano insists, they remain uninterested in any approaches. The Gunners reportedly even refused to put a price tag on the defender, who cost them £27 million.
Strategically, even if the Saudis are ready to pay massive amounts of money for him, there is barely enough time to find a suitable replacement. Moreover, the absence of Timber will put more importance on Gabriel, especially in the Champions League.
Gabriel will play many games, and his ommissions from recent starting elevens must only be tactical experiments. Everything points towards the Brazilian staying at the club beyond the transfer deadline.
