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Mikel Arteta dropped Gabriel from the Gunners' starting XI for the opening three Premier League fixtures of the 2023/24 campaign. The 25-year-old returned to the team to face Manchester United after Thomas Partey was ruled out due to a groin injury - which saw Arteta revert back to the familiar back four he used last term.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Ittihad all registered an interest in signing Gabriel - but the Brazilian remained at the Emirates Stadium as the transfer window slammed shut despite being out of favour. Arsenal hero Paul Merson has admitted that he doesn't think Gabriel is currently on the bench merely for tactical reasons.
“I think something is up with Gabriel Magalhaes,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “I don’t see why Mikel Arteta would break up the effective centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
"It worked so well for them last season. So, I think there’s more to his exclusion from the starting lineup than it being a matter of team selection.”
Gabriel looks set to continue in the team with Partey expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Now, Edu has made his feelings on the 25-year-old clear despite plenty of speculation over his future at Arsenal.
Following a strong performance against Manchester United, Gabriel posted a picture from the game to his Instagram with the caption: "Great atmosphere today Gunners!! We keep going forward!!"
Edu responded to Gabriel with a comment, which read: "*top emoji* *clap emoji* *football emoji* *fire emoji*." Edu's message hints that he still rates the Brazilian as a top defender and was impressed with his performance upon returning to the starting XI - which may suggest he will not be put up for sale anytime soon.
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