Gabriel Magalhaes: Arsenal open talks over deal as top clubs swoop
Arsenal have opened contract talks with defender Gabriel Magalhaes in a bid to fend off interest from elite European clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (29 April) that the Gunners have kicked off negotiations with the 26-year-old over a bumper new deal and are expecting an agreement to be reached this summer.
It is believed clubs in Europe are monitoring his situation following the Brazil international’s stellar performances with Arsenal in the Premier League this term.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Londoners are now “doing their due diligence” and handing Gabriel an improved deal to ward off potential suitors despite him having three years to run on his current contract.
Sources say Arsenal are desperate to keep the project intact following their recent success under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal star Gabriel set for bumper new contract after European interest
They have already tied William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Ben White down to new contracts in recent months.
Gabriel has partnered Saliba in the 2023-24 campaign and forged a formidable partnership which has conceded the fewest Premier League goals (28) and kept the most top-flight clean sheets (16).
He has made 45 starts in 47 total appearances for Arteta’s side this term, scoring four goals.
The 26-year-old joined Arsenal from Lille in 2020 for a reported fee of £27million.
Arteta’s side sit top of the Premier League but are just one point above Man City, who have a game in hand on their title rivals.
The Gunners face Bournemouth, Man United and Everton in their final three games of this season.
In other news, Man City and Arsenal race to sign £100million star.
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