Arsenal told to complete January signing in ‘kick up the backside’ to Gabriel Magalhaes – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed the potential signing of Evan Ndicka could be the “kick up the backside” Gabriel Magalhaes needs at Arsenal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old’s signing could spur the Gunners star on.
According to the London Evening Standard (21 October), Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Ndicka is a target for Arsenal as they search for competition for Gabriel.
The report claims the German club could be tempted to part with the left-footer in January as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The former France Under-21 international can sign a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners when the winter window opens on 1 January.
Gabriel, who signed a new long-term contract on Friday (21 October), has made a number of high-profile errors this term despite Arsenal sitting top of the table.
When asked if Arteta will be hoping to improve Gabriel’s game by bringing in a fresh face, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “That’s the only reason they’d go out and get someone else in.
“I think sometimes bringing in another player can add strength and quality, first and foremost. But it can also give some players, like Gabriel in this case, that kick up the backside they need.
“I’m not saying Gabriel is complacent, but we’ve seen a couple of mistakes creeping into his game now.
“Someone else like Ndicka coming in to share that load and spur him on could cut those out.”
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