Report: Saudi side ready to test Arsenal’s resolve with mega bid | OneFootball

Gabriel Magalhães: Arsenal’s Defensive ‘Rock’ Targeted by Al-Nassr

Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr are reportedly preparing an audacious summer bid for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, as revealed by GiveMeSport. While Arsenal remain committed to keeping their Brazilian centre-back, the financial allure of the Middle East is an ever-growing factor in modern football’s transfer landscape.

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Al-Nassr’s Pursuit of Arsenal’s Defensive Leader

With Gabriel under contract at the Emirates until 2027, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to push for an extension. Yet, Al-Nassr have already made contact, reportedly offering a staggering €20 million per year—three times his current salary, and tax-free. The defender has been a rock in Mikel Arteta’s backline and was hailed as a “monster” by BBC pundit Troy Deeney for his commanding presence.

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Arsenal’s Stance on Gabriel’s Future

Arsenal’s position is clear—any potential suitor must be prepared to pay upwards of €100 million. At this stage, there is little indication the Gunners will entertain offers below that valuation, particularly given Gabriel’s importance to their Champions League ambitions. Despite this, GiveMeSport suggests Gabriel “is understood to be open to heading to Saudi Arabia at some point in his career.”

For now, his focus remains on Arsenal’s title run-in, but in football, money often dictates the narrative.

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This entire saga reeks of manufactured speculation. Al-Nassr may well admire Gabriel, but Arsenal have neither the need nor the inclination to cash in on one of their most reliable defenders. Even in an era where Saudi clubs are distorting the market, a bid of over €100 million for a centre-back still feels fanciful.

Arsenal are building a squad to compete for major honours, not dismantle it for the highest bidder. The idea that Gabriel would walk away from Champions League football to test himself against the likes of Al-Wehda and Al-Raed lacks credibility. The supposed “openness” to a Saudi move at some undefined future date? That could apply to half the footballing world.

Yes, the financial offer is absurdly high, but so is the Premier League’s competitiveness. Arsenal’s owners have signalled their intent to challenge at the highest level. If they were to entertain such offers, it would send the wrong message to players and fans alike. Expect Gabriel to remain at the heart of Arsenal’s defence for the foreseeable future.