Real Madrid target Arsenal defender in SHOCK transfer
Suraj Radia
- 21 Aug 2023 18:31 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid are understood to have a ‘genuine interest’ in Gabriel Magalhaes, however the Arsenal defender is expected to rebuff any approach to leave the club.
The Spanish giants are considering returning to the transfer market after seeing Eder Militao suffer a long-term knee injury, having previously insisted their business was done for the summer.
Gabriel played just four minutes in Arsenal’s opening Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest amid speculation that he was being pursued for a transfer by Saudi Arabian clubs.
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However, the 25-year-old will likely become a more regular feature in Mikel Arteta’s side following the cruciate ligament injury picked up by new signing Jurrien Timber in the Forest game, leaving him sidelined for a number of months.
The Daily Mail state that Gabriel is ‘committed’ to Arsenal despite the speculation surrounding his future, while Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is not worried about depth in defence despite Militao’s injury.
Real’s headline signing this window has been Jude Bellingham, who signed for €103 million from Dortmund, while Arda Guler and Fran Garcia also arrived alongside loan deals for Joselu and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Outgoings the aim for Arsenal’s transfer window
While Gabriel is expected to remain at the Emirates, Arsenal could still see some defenders leave as Arteta looks to balance the books following a summer of spending.
Only Chelsea and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have spent more money than the Gunners this window and Arsenal’s focus is now thought to be on selling fringe players before the transfer deadline.
Rob Holding is understood to be a target for a number of European sides including Rennes and Besiktas, while Kieran Tierney’s future is also uncertain, having been left out of the squad for the win over Forest.
AGREED: Balogun strikes personal terms over Gunners exit
Folarin Balogun is also expected to leave the club before the end of the month however talks between Nicolas Pepe and Besiktas are thought to have collapsed, with the winger posting a picture on social media of him returning to Arsenal’s training ground.
