Gabriel Magalhaes is believed to have turned down a big-money offer from Manchester United to seal a switch to Arsenal, accepting a lower wage in the process.
The Brazilian defender has been hot property this summer, with the Lille boss confirming that he was set to leave, and Napoli were initially believed to be Arsenal’s main rival for his signature, but Manchester United were said to have arrived late with their own move.
Despite the Red Devils, according to Vinicius Furlan, coming in with an increased offer for the centre-back Magalhaes is expected to be announced as our latest signing, with a five-year deal mooted at present.
Gabriel could well form a new long-term partnership in North London with fellow former Ligue 1 star William Saliba, with the pair starting the new season with a combined age of just 41.
His French team-mate has already been assigned GM’s preferred shirt number of 4, and Gabriel could well take up the vacant number 6 shirt, with 12, 13 and 18 the next lowest vacant shirt numbers currently.
Fans will be pleased to hear reports that he has opted against taking a bigger offer to pledge his allegiance to the project we are building at the Emirates, especially with the offer of Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford also.
Mikel Arteta seems to have an aura when talking to players about the rebuilding job that he has tasked himself with, and it is no surprise to hear Corriere Dello Sport state via (the Mirror) that our new defender was stunned following the talks.
How important is it to have players committed to the philosophy that the new manager is instilling in the squad?
Patrick
When announced, legend in the making he will be.
I think the number 12 shirt has been taken by Willian already.
So he might take the no. 6 shirt.
Yes, Mikel Arteta in person seems to be the biggest resource when it comes to recruiting new players. Set the target on a plane to London for a dinner between four eyes with MA and let him for a couple of hours explain his ambitions, his plan, his dream – and I think our coach even could convince an EPL skeptic like Bob Lewandowski to join the Gunners, Mikel Arteta is a crusader on a mission.
Will only celebrate when and if he signs and is announced on Arsenal.com. This week has gotten me loopy with all the silly rumours.
This is the smart thing to do
Reserve the number 6 for Thomas Partey.
My heart tells me that Aouar and Partey are the players Arsenal need to complete the puzzle!!!!!!
Having players come in, who reject more money to play for the Arsenal is a very positive situation moving forward.
Please stop procrastinating and make it all happen!
Good and great players look into their prospects of playing for the jersey, playing to win and playing for their self respect unlike the jersey merchant who plays with words to the press, contributes nothing and has no self respect.
Wise move by Mikel to banish a negative influence away from the first team for the FA finals, or else the outcome would have been like the Oly. fiasco. I like how shrewd Mikel is wish him all the best to get the players he wants to play the game his way.
Nowadays, I have a great belief in Arteta, especially if can sign Gabriel Magalhaes. But if he could sign Gabriel, Partey & Aouar this summer window, ow! I am sure we can win the Europa League, and can be big contenders for the Premier League, for sure. As a fan, my priority is now Gabriel; the young defender. Then Thomas Partey. Lastly, Houssem Aouar would be really a great addition.
Come On You Gunners!