Arsenal face fight to keep key defender amid Saudi interest

Arsenal are facing the fight to keep key defender Gabriel Magalhães as Saudi clubs show interest, according to new reports.

Gabriel is in demand by “big” Saudi Arabian clubs, with the Gunners battling to keep the centre-back amid rival interest from Saudi Arabia as they prepare a new deal for the center-back.

Per UOL, Saudi Arabian clubs and those in Europe are interested in signing the Brazilian and have already made approaches for the player.

The 27-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but remains a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s solid rear guard.

Gabriel Magalhaes is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury

However, Arsenal are said to be willing to offer the defender a new deal to ward off interest, as the center-back’s current deal runs until 2027.

Arteta is optimistic about retaining his trusted star, although no details have been shared about the wages included in any new deal.

Despite reported news of several interests, it is unclear if Gabriel would be interested in moving to Saudi Arabia because he has been central to Arsenal’s solid back-line in recent years.

Since he arrived in 2020, he has made 210 appearances for the club.

The defender has made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals in the current campaign.