The much publicized transfer of Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal has been is getting ever closer. Media reports have been rife for the past few weeks about Arsenal’s interest in the young Brazilian center back. Recent reports have it that Arsenal have already agreed a deal with Lille, and the player will have his medical in the next 24 hours.
Arsenal currently have a lot center halves in their books, including Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Callum Chambers and the out of favor Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Another Brazilian, David Luiz, signed a contract extension in the summer, whilst Pablo Mari made his loan deal at the Emirates permanent.
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC)
With William Saliba also returning to the Emirates after spending the previous season on loan at former club Saint-Etienne, Arsenal fans do have a justification to be excited about the prospect of their defence. The two most promising young defenders in the French league last season will now be lining up for the gunners
Saliba’s reputation is already well known, dating back to the 2018/19 season, with arsenal winning the race for his signature ahead of a host of other clubs. He was however injured for the best part of last season, but whenever he was available for selection, his impact was telling. Without him Saint-Etienne were conceding an average of 1.88 goals per game in the league. But whenever he was present in the team, the goals conceded per game ratio dropped to 1.25.
He has been praised for his calmness and concentration at the heart of the defence, resulting in only one yellowing received in 17 games across all competitions last season.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ prowess is a matter of record, as evidenced by the intense interest and competition for his signature. The excitement shown by arsenal fans may be justified. At 19 and 22 years, Saliba and Magalhaes may well form a formidable partnership under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Arsenal will look to offload some of the more experienced defenders in the squad, and fans will have every reason to be excited for the present and the future.
