By Wayne Veysey

12th Sep, 2023 | 8:31am

Revealed: Arsenal block Gabriel sale after '£100m' link

Arsenal did not want to sell Gabriel Magalhaes this summer despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia, sources have told Football Insider.

Gabriel was linked with a potential £100million move to the Saudi Pro League – and it is believed that interest was genuine – but a deal failed to get off the ground as Mikel Arteta was keen to keep hold of the defender.

The Gunners boss wants strong competition between his defenders as well as experienced cover in key areas, which he believes keeping hold of Gabriel will provide.

The 25-year-old has made four appearances for the London club so far this season but has started only one Premier League match, the 3-1 win over Man United before the international break.

The centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates and Arteta has opted to strengthen at centre-back in the last summer and winter windows.

Jakub Kiwior arrived in January whilseJurrien Timber joined from Ajax this summer but is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury in their opening Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

Gabriel joined the Gunners in 2020 and his current contract runs until 2027 after signing an extension last year.

Since his arrival, the Brazilian has made 122 appearances for Arsenal, netting 11 goals and offering up one assist in those outings.

Gabriel was half of Arteta’s favoured centre-back pairing last season alongside William Saliba but the boss is yet to settle on a duo this term and has tested out a variety of options at the back so far.

In other news, Arsenal ‘high’ seven-figure payout revealed after Pepe twist.