There are currently few defenders in world football better than Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães at the moment, and that is meant without a hint of exaggeration. Despite being a key part of Arsenal’s central defensive partnership in recent years, the big Brazilian has always been put behind William Saliba overall, and perhaps this might have been due to the Frenchman’s more silky and smooth style of play – Real Madrid are reported to be interested in signing Saliba.
In recent times however – this season especially – Gabriel has finally been getting his flowers in what has been a fantastic season in both boxes. His displays have been so good that there has even been calls from the Arsenal faithful to hand him the captain’s armband. This might be in part due to Martin Ødegaard’s struggles this campaign but take nothing away from Gabriel, he has been unreal!
The downside is that his performances have been attracting attention and one side in particular might be ready to pounce in the summer. According to GIVEMESPORT, Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr are planning an audacious bid to woo the Brazilian in the summer, after initial approaches were made for him. The Saudi side, who already have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran and Sadio Mane within their ranks, will seek to lure Gabriel to the club with a reported salary package of €20million (tax-free). That would represent around three times more than his current deal at Arsenal.
The report also stated that talks over a contract extension will pick up after the arrival of Andrea Berta as the club see him as an integral part of the squad moving forward.
If he was to move however, he won’t come cheap obviously with the Gunners placing a valuation of more than €100m on the Brazilian.
Thoughts gooners? Can we afford to lose Gabriel Magalhães?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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I don’t see much in this.
He’s one of the most competitive players I have seen, and for that reason I am sure he won’t go to Saudi (especially at his current age).
He will want to win silverware at the highest level before even thinking about a move to Saudi.
Unfortunately, I believe for most (if not all) players, a greater likelihood of trophies is truly a major consideration in speaking to the press but not in comparison to tripling their salary. I would expect that it will most likely depend on contract length, guarantees, and family/lifestyle considerations more than anything else.
Kia,
You say in your post that he won’t want to leave and he will want to win silverware.
On that basis, he might end up leaving whether its to Saudi or another European club.
Because unless the current manager leaves or is pushed, I don’t see Gabriel winning silverware any time soon. 🤦♂️
The question was whether Gabriel would prioritize a belief he (not you, I, or Kia) might have of winning silverware with Arsenal over a move to Saudi.
Hi Derek,
I mentioned he would probably want to win silverware at the highest level. This is why I don’t think he will go to Saudi, just yet at least.
If he doesn’t win something with Arsenal soon, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move to a Real, PSG, or even a top PL side.
It would be a big surprise if he were to go to RM at this time. He is already considered amongst the best in world football and is playing at one of Europe’s top clubs. It is likely that RM would like to have him but they are unlikely to fork out the huge transfer fee that would be required.
The only people who are likely pay what would be required are the Saudis and a potential transfer would then really depend on Gabriel’s ambitions. There is a real chance of Arsenal winning major titles in the next few years if we strengthen the squad effectively. The way he comports himself suggests that he has a major drive to win. He would want to achieve the most he can at the highest levels. It is difficult to see him wanting to go to SA at this point in his career unless something extraordinary happens.
Hopefully his head won’t be turned this time, like it was at the beginning of last season, when the Saudis were after him.