Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães Targeted by Al-Nassr In Blockbuster Summer Bid.
Arsenal’s defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhães has emerged as the latest high-profile target for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, who are preparing an ambitious summer move to lure the Brazilian centre-back away from the Emirates Stadium. The Riyadh-based club has already made an initial approach to the 27-year-old’s representatives, signalling their intent to bolster their squad with one of the Premier League’s most formidable defenders.
Gabriel, who has been a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side since joining from Lille for £27 million in September 2020, has caught the eye of Al-Nassr with his commanding performances. The club, home to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly ready to offer a staggering €20 million (£16.8 million) per year tax-free salary—roughly three times his current earnings at Arsenal—to tempt him to the Middle East. The proposal underscores Al-Nassr’s growing financial clout, having previously attracted stars like Ronaldo and Sadio Mané to the Saudi Pro League.
However, Arsenal are standing firm. Sources indicate that the Gunners would not even entertain offers below €100 million (£84.1 million) for their prized asset, whose current contract runs until 2027. The club’s preference is clear: they want Gabriel to sign a new extension, a priority for incoming sporting director Andrea Berta, who is set to replace Edu Gaspar. Talks to extend Gabriel’s deal have reportedly been underway since late 2024, with his agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, spotted at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre in recent months.
Gabriel’s importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated. Since forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba, the Brazilian has been instrumental in transforming the Gunners’ backline into one of the Premier League’s stingiest. This season alone, he has notched five goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, blending defensive solidity with an aerial threat at set-pieces. His 209 appearances and 20 goals for Arsenal since his arrival highlight his consistency and value, earning him praise as a “monster” from BBC pundit Troy Deeney.
Al-Nassr’s interest comes as they aim to close the gap on Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad, currently sitting third, eight points adrift. Despite boasting a defence featuring Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan, the club sees Gabriel as the key to elevating their ambitions, both domestically and in the Asian Champions League.
For now, Gabriel remains focused on Arsenal’s campaign. With the Gunners second in the Premier League—12 points behind Liverpool—and gearing up for a Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, his priority is silverware. Sources close to the player suggest that while he is “open” to a Saudi move at some point in his career, his immediate allegiance lies with Arsenal’s quest for glory.
The prospect of losing Gabriel has Arsenal fans on edge, but the club’s resolute stance offers reassurance. “Not even for €200 million!” quipped a source in 2023 when Saudi interest first surfaced, a sentiment that still holds. Berta’s arrival signals a proactive approach to securing the club’s stars, with Leandro Trossard also in talks for a new deal.
For Al-Nassr, the chase is on, but prising Gabriel from North London will require more than a hefty pay packet. Arsenal’s resolve, coupled with Gabriel’s loyalty, suggests this transfer saga could stretch into the summer—and beyond. For now, the Emirates faithful can breathe a sigh of relief: their defensive titan isn’t going anywhere just yet.
