For some time now there have been rumours about Gabriel Magalhaes potentially leaving Arsenal for Saudi Arabia.
On the face of it, most Arsenal fans would probably dismiss the idea of Gabriel leaving the club as nonsense – he’s thriving under Mikel Arteta and seems to be enjoying every second of his partnership with William Saliba.
However, at the start of the 2023/24 season, talk of Gabriel leaving Arsenal for Saudi Arabia was very loud, and the Brazilian was then even left out of Arteta’s starting eleven very briefly.
There’s no evidence that the two were linked, but it was an odd period for the centre-back at the club, who quickly returned to Arteta’s team once speculation went away.
Since, Gabriel has been an undisputed starter for Arteta, a crucial cog in the club’s chances of lifting any silverware this season or next.
Gabriel Magalhaes would be ‘open’ to an Arsenal exit
That being said, Give Me Sport have now shared a fresh report regarding a potential summer bid from the Saudi Pro League for Gabriel.
According to the information, Al-Nassr are intent on signing the Brazilian and have already approached the player.
READ MORE: How Aaron Ramsdale can help Arsenal sign Mikel Arteta’s top transfer target this summer
Al-Nassr would be willing to triple Gabriel’s wages, even if the Arsenal defender remains fully-focused on his efforts in north London.
On Arsenal’s part, they don’t want to sell – understandably so.
However, the report does mention that Gabriel would be ‘open’ to heading to Saudi Arabia at some point in his career, even if that’s not right now.
Fortunately, Arsenal intend to give Gabriel a new contract – one of Andrea Berta’s first tasks when he arrives as sporting director.
Therefore, it would seem as if any worry about the Brazilian leaving imminently can be shelved for now.
William Saliba embarks on his own personal mission at Arsenal
Of course, speculation around William Saliba’s long-term future refuses to go away, even if the Frenchman has now categorically stated his commitment to Arsenal.
Saliba doesn’t want to leave Arsenal without winning something important – he doesn’t want to be forgotten.
And therefore, Saliba’s words might have been tough reading for Robin van Persie who did exactly that.
Fortunately, Arsenal are no longer a side who are forced to sell their best players in the modern era.
The Gunners are in a strong financial position since their move to the Emirates Stadium and Arteta now enjoys incomparable resources to Arsene Wenger’s final years at the club.
