Real Madrid are set for a busy summer transfer window, and swooping for some of the best-performing players in Europe is a real possibility. Several of those have been playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League title race, including Gabriel Magalhaes.
Mikel Arteta’s squad is brimming with talent from top to bottom but particularly in defense. William Saliba and Gabriel have forged a formidable partnership with one another.
Madrid are on the lookout for a new central defender and they seem to now be eyeing Gabriel. They previously had set their sights on Saliba but the Frenchman penned a new deal with the Gunners in September.
Real Madrid warned off Arsenal’s Gabriel
According to TEAMtalk, Madrid made an approach to Arsenal about the possbility of trying to sign the Brazilian defender. They were told in no uncertain terms that the 28-year-old is not available for “any price.”
That makes sense given Gabriel’s importance at the Emirates, putting in inspired performances throughout the season. He has appeared 32 times across competitions, registering four goals and as many assists.
There might not be a better defender from set-piece situations than the Gunners’ center-back whose aerial abilities have helped him dominate defensively and in attack. His manager, Arteta, recently hailed him as “world class” and Madrid appear to agree with that stance.
It’s not surprising to see Los Blancos snubbed by the Premier League giants but their approach is a promising sign. It shows the club mean business regarding replacing David Alaba who is leaving the Estadio Bernabeu when his contract expires in June.
Gabriel might not be attainable but there are alternatives such as Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. Recent reports suggest the La Liga giants are in pole position to land the German and that he is open to a move to the Spanish capital.
Madrid’s other transfer plans
Madrid are also likely to be in the market for a new creative midfielder amid glaring issues in the middle of the park this season. They are eyeing Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and a potential deal could be on the cards as the two European giants’ relationship has improved in recent months.
Alvaro Arbeloa might not even be in charge by the time the summer transfer window opens in the summer. The Spaniard was appointed as caretaker manager in early January following Xabi Alonso’s sacking and his contract expires at the end of the season.
The interim coach hasn’t had a settled backline due to constant injuries disrupting his team. The likes of Antonio Rudiger and most recently Dean Huijsen have been struck by the injury crisis.