Gabriel Magalhaes arrival at Arsenal would leave futures of centre-backs in doubt - 7M sport

Gabriel Magalhaes arrival at Arsenal would leave futures of centre-backs in doubt

Gabriel Magalhaes’ transfer to Arsenal could see centre-backs such as Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos’s futures thrown into doubt as Mikel Arteta plans a defensive overhaul


Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Arsenal have made defender Gabriel Magalhaes a transfer priority – and is willing to clear out others to make room for the Brazilian.

The 22-year-old has impressed several top-flight clubs at Lille but the Gunners are see as the front-runners for his signature.

And the Lille star has continued to tease fans over his future as well as relations to Magalhaes.

The Brazilian would cost Arsenal £25m if they decide to make a move for the defender as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defence.

But the Standard have reported that this would also put the futures of other centre-backs at Arsenal in doubt.

Gabriel Magalhaes arrival at Arsenal would leave futures of centre-backs in doubt
Gabriel Magalhaes' transfer to Arsenal could see Mikel Arteta have a clear out of centre-backs

Arsenal are already set to be without Shkodran Mustafi, who picked up an injury in the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.

He may be out until October but that may not protect the German’s future in north London as fans have called him out on errors.

While Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos could also be casualties of Arteta’s plans, having fallen out of favour with the manager.

Magalhaes has been at Lille since 2017, spending his first two seasons on loan at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb.

But the 22-year-old found form in the previous campaign, making 34 appearances as his side finish in a Europa League qualification spot.

The French side, though, could give Arsenal some difficulties due to this after they news they are set for UEFA punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

According to a report by Get French Football News, the Ligue 1 club recorded a loss of more than €30m over the course of three consecutive seasons and posted a loss of €100m back in 2018.

This means that Lille may be reluctant to sell Gabriel this summer, as the rule also states that any new signings will not be allowed to be included in their squad for Uefa competitions.

In a statement, Lille said: “The financial situation from the 2017/18 season triggered an investigation from the European body and necessitated an agreement between the two parties which the club is satisfied with, judging it to be fair.”



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