The focus for Arsenal has been massively on trying to sort the potential incomings that will strengthen the squad and push them toward the goal of Champions League qualification. The midfield and forward line has been of great interest with moves for Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira already complete.
However, in defence, there has been a desire to bring in competition for Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney. Arsenal pursued Lisandro Martinez and had several bids knocked back and now look to have admitted defeat as the price tag continues to rise.
However, their needs on the left of the defence could become even greater should Juventus’ desire to sign Gabriel Magalhaes become a reality. According to Italian football expert Alfredo Pedulla via The Express, Juve want to bring in their long-term defensive target.
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The Express claim Arsenal would be looking for €40m (£33.8m) to allow him to leave. Although this seems rather low considering the club bought him for €30m (£27m) from Lille just two years ago.
He has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Premier League and held the record last season for the most goals scored by a centre-half. He and Ben White have combined to keep more clean sheets than Arsenal have for four seasons.
To see an increase of just €10m and a club the size of Juventus in for him is difficult to fathom. That said, if he were to leave, a potential replacement arrived back at Arsenal today.
Players granted extended holiday due to participation with their international sides are due back at the Arsenal training ground this morning. Among those is France senior international William Saliba.
Signed in 2019, Saliba has spent two and a half years on loan with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille. With six months at the end of 2020 with the under-23s side which unsettled the defender.
Now though, his future looks very much focused on Arsenal. He came out in a recent interview to confirm he ‘belongs’ to the club and wanted to show the supporters what he is capable of achieving with them.
“I belong to Arsenal, I still have two years left,” he said. “I will be back with Arsenal. I have played zero matches and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club.
“But it doesn’t just depend on me. In any case, to leave like this, would be a shame.”
In his time away he has played right centre-half, left centre-half and even right-back. His versatility will be a real asset to Mikel Arteta, a coach who appreciates how players can operate well in multiple areas.
Without a doubt, Arsenal would need to enter the market to strengthen if Gabriel left, but the security that Saliba provides gives starting level quality assurances they otherwise would not have had. The likelihood of Gabriel moving on however appears slim with reports of a contract renewal ongoing for some time.
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