Arsenal to fight off PSG approach for star man

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 3 Jun 2023 20:19 BST
• 3 min read

PSG are plotting an audacious move for Arsenal centre-back Gabriel – but the Gunners are unlikely to budge on of their biggest defensive stars.

The Brazilian formed an imperious partnership with William Saliba as Mikel Arteta’s side put themselves in pole position to win this season’s Premier League title – only to be overhauled by Manchester City late in the campaign.

And it seems that Gabriel’s impressive performances at the back have piqued the interest of PSG – who recently retained the Ligue 1 title.

MORE: Arsenal will do ‘everything they can’ to sign Dutch wonderkid

GOAL claim that PSG are weighing up a possible approach for the 25-year-old – who joined Arsenal from another French top-flight outfit, Lille, in 2020 and has gone on to make 118 appearances for the club.

The report adds that Les Parisiens attempted to lure Gabriel to the Parc des Princes last summer but were unable to get a deal done.

With Sergio Ramos set to leave when his contract expires at the end of this month, though, a new centre-half looks likely to be high up the list of priorities for Christophe Galtier and co. in the next transfer window.

MORE: PSG have already found Lionel Messi replacement

Gabriel to keep on living his 'dream' with the Gunners?

But PSG will probably have to set their sights elsewhere: Gabriel – who our in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) model currently rates at €40.1m – is indispensable to the Arsenal cause.

He featured 48 times in all competitions in 2022/23 – and, incredibly, played all but five minutes of the Gunners’ Premier League campaign.

Gabriel only signed a new contract at the Emirates Stadium last October – and he couldn’t have sounded happier about extending his stay in North London until 2027, calling it “a dream” and “the best day of my life”.