Much of Arsenal’s recent success has been attributed to their strong defence
So far this season the Gunners have conceded the least amount of goals in the Premier League (24) and building on last season where they conceded just 29 times.
Gabriel and William Saliba are at the heart of that, with the Brazilian and the Frenchman forming a formidable bond at both ends of the pitch.
Fears Arsenal duo could be on the move arrive as ‘mega-money’ move lined up – report
Gabriel was the focus of some interest from Saudi Arabia at the start of last season, when he didn’t start any of Arsenal’s opening three games, and it looks like that interest may be revived in the coming months.
Football Insider believe that Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr are readying a move for Gabriel, but Arsenal are prepared to turn down any advances and are prepared to offer him a new contract in order to secure his future at the club.
According to ex-scout Mike Brown via Football Insider, Arsenal are “more likely to sign Gabriel to a new contract rather than let him leave this summer”.
Interest has been shown in his defensive companion Saliba, with Real Madrid reportedly interest in securing his services.
A deal for Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool seems all but wrapped up and it appears their attention is now turning to the Arsenal centre-back.
Multiple sources have confirmed the interest from Los Blancos, and renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested the French defender was viewed as a ‘superstar’ by the 15-time Champions League winners.
Arsenal look set to miss out on the Premier League title for the third year running and losing their two star defenders, who are ranked as the third and fourth best centre-backs in the world by FourFourTwo would not help in their quest to win an elusive piece of silverware next season.
In FourFourTwo’s opinion, while Arsenal offer a potent attacking threat, their strongest asset is their defence, and allowing to Gabriel or Saliba to leave would rewind years of progress.