Jakarta –
Arsenal officially announced the transfer of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille. The Gunners beat a number of clubs that monitor Gabriel, including Manchester United.
The transfer of Gabriel Magalhaes was announced by Arsenal on its official website. No mention was made of the amount of the move for the 22-year-old defender, but Sky Sports said the figure was 27 million pounds.
Bound on a long-term contract, Gabriel will add options for Mikel Arteta at center-back. Previously there was William Saliba who returned from a loan at Saint Etienne.
“Central defender Gabriel has joined us from French team Lille on a long-term contract. The 22-year-old Brazilian has completed his move and will wear the jersey number 6,” said Arsenal’s official statement.
Gabriel last season appeared 34 times in all competitions for Lille, including in all 6 Champions League group stage matches. He will compete with Saliba, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Pablo Mari at center back.
“We are delighted to have signed Gabriel. He is a player we have studied for some time and he is wanted by many clubs, so we are proud to agree and complete this transfer with Lille and the player,” said Arsenal Technical Director Edu.
“Gabriel is a player of high quality, and Mikel and the coaches are looking forward to uniting him with the club,” he added.
Gabriel is reportedly being monitored by three clubs other than Arsenal, namely Manchester United, Everton and Napoli. He impressed last season, helping Lille to finish fourth in the French League which was stopped sooner due to the pandemic.
Gabriel is Arsenal’s second new signing this summer after Willian.
(raw/krs)
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