Arsenal defender Gabriel has emerged as the latest high-profile player to attract interest from Saudi Arabia for a lucrative transfer.
While the Gunners are aware of the attention, it remains uncertain whether they would be willing to sell the Brazilian centre-half, considering their previous rejection of similar offers. Gabriel, 25, surprisingly did not feature in Arsenal's starting lineup for their season opener against Nottingham Forest at the weekend with Mikel Arteta opting to leave him out of the side.
Although Gabriel was a key figure in the Arsenal's defence last season, the allure of the Saudi Pro League's big-money moves, including the recent signing of Liverpool's Jordan Henderson and the potential acquisition of Brazilian superstar Neymar on a staggering £2.5 million-per-week deal, has been tempting players.
However, the Gunners under no pressure to sell Gabriel and are yet to receive a concrete bid for the player who joined the club from Lille for £27 million in 2020, reports the Mirror. If Arsenal were to consider selling Gabriel, they would need to find a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes on September 1.
One potential target is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea this. Gunners manager Arteta has also shown interest in Aymeric Laporte, with whom he previously worked at Manchester City.
With time running out in the transfer window, completing a major sale and securing another deal would be a significant challenge for Arsenal. The situation is further complicated by concerns over the injury sustained by Dutch defender Jurrien Timber during his debut against Forest.Although reports from Holland suggest that Timber suffered a serious knee injury, the club are still evaluating the severity of the problem. Regardless, the Gunners hierarchy will likely see it as crucial that no firm bid materialises from Saudi Arabia for Gabriel, especially if Timber's injury results in an extended absence from the squad.
Arteta said on Timber's condition: “The doctors looked at him and they were happy for him to continue, he was as well. Straight away in the first action of the second half he made a movement and it was a bit funny.
Mikel Arteta left Gabriel out of the starting XI for Arsenal's match against Nottingham Forest at the weekend
Mikel Arteta left Gabriel out of the starting XI for Arsenal's match against Nottingham Forest at the weekend (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“We took him out straight after and now we have to assess him and see what he has.”
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