Barcelona have reportedly decided not to press ahead with their interest in Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer transfer window.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have decided against pursuing the signing of Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in the upcoming transfer window.
Gabriel came to Arsenal in the summer of 2020, signing from French outfit LOSC Lille. The 24-year-old had a few missteps along the way early in his tenure at the Emirates but has grown into a vital player at the Emirates Stadium this term. He has played 64 times for the Gunners, with 33 of those appearances coming in the ongoing campaign.
Gabriel’s progress at Arsenal has earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team, although he is yet to make his bow for the Selecao. At the same time, his performances have reportedly caught the eye of La Liga heavyweights Barcelona ahead of the summer.
Barcelona already have an agreement in place to secure the signing of Andreas Christensen on a free transfer when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season. However, they are on the lookout for a new left-footed centre-back in the summer as Samuel Umtiti is set to be sold, while Clement Lenglet is also staring at an uncertain future.
Barcelona will have no left-sided centre-halves on their roster should the French duo depart. It has led to them looking at options in the market, with Gabriel having presented himself as an option due to his experience in the English and the French leagues.
However, as per the latest update, while Barcelona have discussed the Arsenal star’s name as a potential target, they are not planning to go after him in the summer transfer window. Mundo Deportivo claims that the Catalans are considering signing a left-footed centre-back, but Gabriel is not their preferred option.
In addition to that, the Blaugrana also feel a deal would be financially difficult to pull off as Gabriel has a contract with Arsenal until 2025. Considering that he is a regular in the lineup, the Gunners would be reluctant to sell. Even if they come to the negotiation table, the north London club would demand at least €40 million for their defender, which Barcelona are unwilling to pay.
As a result, a summer move for Barcelona is now off the table. Instead, they are likely to focus their attention on signing Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea, as he offers more experience and versatility at a much more affordable cost due to his contract situation.
