JUST IN: Arsenal set to replace Gabriel Magalhaes with Man city Star after shocking links to Saudi Arabia – Here we go soon
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is wanted in Saudi Arabia – and that could tempt Mikel Arteta into bidding for Aymeric Laporte.
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte could replace Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal this summer.
That is according to The Mirror, who claim that Arsenal defender Gabriel is now wanted in Saudi Arabia.
It’s unclear just which Saudi Arabian club – or clubs – are trying to sign Gabriel but Arsenal are allegedly aware of the interest.
Arsenal would likely demand a hefty fee for Gabriel, who arrived from Lille for around £27million back in 2020.
The Brazilian was a vital player last season and has brought the left-footed balance Mikel Arteta wants in his back line.
However, eyebrows were raised on Saturday as Arteta bizarrely left Gabriel out of Arsenal’s starting lineup against Nottingham Forest.
Maybe that is why the Saudi interest is rising, with Arsenal potentially facing a decision on his future.
Mikel Arteta wants Aymeric Laporte at Arsenal
The report adds that, if Gabriel does go then Arteta already knows who he wants to replace him at Arsenal.
It’s stated that Arteta would be interested in bringing Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte to North London.
Arteta worked with Laporte at Manchester City and would seemingly fancy a reunion with the Spanish centre back.
City have just brought in Josko Gvardiol and Laporte appears to be the odd man out, with The Mirror claiming that they want to cash in on the former Athletic Club star.
Arsenal may well be keen with Laporte offering that left-footed option at the back, just like Gabriel.
Laporte, 29, has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola as recently as 2022 and would surely love to play regularly again.
The question is whether City would allow another player to join Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko made that move last summer and help Arsenal challenge City for the Premier League title.
Guardiola would hate to see Laporte help Arsenal’s cause too but the Gunners could come knocking if Gabriel moves on.
