€55m Arsenal star gives transfer verdict after European giants express ‘genuine interest’ in signing him
European giants Real Madrid reportedly have ‘genuine interest’ in Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who has also been linked with the Saudi Pro League.
The Gunners splashed out around £27m to sign Gabriel from Ligue Un outfit Lille in 2020 and he has established himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel was one of Arsenal’s stronger performers last term as he formed a brilliant partnership with William Saliba.
It is hoped that the two talented defenders will partner each other at Arsenal for many years to come but Gabriel has been linked with a move elsewhere this summer.
The defender is under contract until 2027 and valued at €55m by transfermarkt. Earlier this month, Arsenal became ‘aware’ of ‘interest’ in him from the Saudi Pro League.
Now The Daily Mail are reporting that Real Madrid ‘have ‘genuine interest’ in Gabriel as they are in the market for a defender who could replace the injured Eder Militao.
Though in a boost to Arsenal, the 25-year-old “is happy” at the Premier League club. The report states.
‘Real Madrid have a genuine interest in Gabriel Magalhaes but the centre-back is happy at Arsenal.
‘Eder Militao was ruled out for months last week with a cruciate ligament injury and though Carlo Ancelotti insisted his squad is well stocked for defenders, the Spanish giants have been looking at the market.
‘Gabriel was left out of Arsenal’s opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest amid a backdrop of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs also.
‘That interest is there too but the 25-year-old Brazil international is committed to the Arsenal cause as they look to go one step further in the league this season.
‘Meanwhile, dialogue between Arsenal and Besiktas remains open over the potential transfer of forward Nicolas Pepe.’
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While Gabriel is unlikely to move on, attacker Folarin Balogun could end up playing elsewhere in the coming weeks.
He is behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order at the moment and he is being pursued by Premier League rivals Fulham.
The Daily Mail are claiming that the Cottagers are ‘stepping up their efforts’ to sign Balogun, but Arsenal are ‘holding out for £50m’.
‘Arsenal are holding out for £50million for the Brooklyn-born forward who scored 22 goals on loan at Reims last season. That’s more than Fulham and Co would like to pay but Marco Silva is hopeful a compromise can be reached as they look to offer £35m plus add ons.
‘Fulham have considered other options with the likes of Hugo Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain on their radar but Balogun talks are ongoing.’
