Expert can’t believe Arsenal could sell Gabriel Magalhaes to giants in swap deal
Noel Whelan has insisted Arsenal would be “stupid” to sell Juventus target Gabriel Magalhaes this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Gunners must keep the 24-year-old if they are serious about breaking back into the top echelon of English football.
According to The Independent (15 July), Juventus have approached Arsenal about the signing of Gabriel – with Bayern Munich on the verge of completing a deal for Bianconeri star Matthijs de Ligt.
The report claims Arsenal would want negotiations to begin at around the £50million mark – but would be receptive to a swap deal involving French midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Gabriel started 35 games for Arsenal last season, scoring five goals and forging a formidable partnership with 2021 signing Ben White.
Centre-back William Saliba has returned to the Emirates Stadium yet again this summer after his latest loan spell in France.
Whelan insisted Gabriel made a “real difference” to Arsenal’s formerly “frail” defence after his arrival in 2020.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they’d be stupid to sell him.
“He’s really grown over these past couple of years and built this relationship with Ben White in that back four.
“They’re looking to build – and he’s a big part of that in the defence. They were so frail at the back for a number of years, and his signing has made a real difference.
“He added goals, as well as good defending, last season.
“Arsenal would be silly to let him go right now when they’re trying to build a really solid defence.
“It doesn’t make sense to me. There’s always interest in good players, that will never change.
“But if you’re serious about building a team for longevity, you’ve got to keep these players.”
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