Gabriel Magalhaes has reportedly snubbed Real Madrid and other suitors in favour of staying at Arsenal beyond the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Gabriel Magalhaes is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. But the Brazilian international does not want to leave Arsenal anytime soon. And he has snubbed Los Blancos and Saudi Arabian suitors in favour of remaining at the Emirates.
Gabriel Magalhaes has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Arsenal from LOSC Lille nearly three years ago. The 25-year-old has come leaps and bounds during this period, becoming a mainstay at the back for the North London club, with his market value soaring to €55 million.
But the 2023/24 season has not begun well for the Brazilian international. While Gabriel started the Community Shield match, he has found himself on the bench in the two Premier League games thus far. And he has managed only 24 minutes of game time in the top flight for Arsenal this term. Meanwhile, the player’s situation has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid lost Eder Militao for several months after the Brazilian international sustained a knee injury in the season-opening La Liga fixture against Athletic Club. And Militao’s absence has left Carlo Ancelotti with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba as the only reliable centre-backs apart from backup option Nacho.
So it behoves Real Madrid to scour the market for a centre-back, despite Ancelotti’s comments to the contrary. And considering Alaba and Nacho are on the wrong side of 30, signing a central defender should bode well for Real Madrid. And they have reportedly set their sights on Gabriel Magalhaes.
But the Brazilian international does not want to leave Arsenal despite losing his spot as the first-choice centre-back. And the report claims he remains committed to the North London club and wants to fight for his spot in the team. So the latest development has come as a blow for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, recent reports have also claimed that Arsenal will not entertain any offers for the 25-year-old. Gabriel has also been a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League. But those outfits and Real Madrid will have to set their sights elsewhere for a central defender this summer.
