Fabrizio Romano issues update on Arsenal’s stance over selling key defender

Arsenal fans have been handed an update amid reports the club could sell star defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Gunners are two from two this season, defeating both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace narrowly. Mikel Arteta’s men have been able to grind out two wins, but there is better to come, and better will need to come if Arsenal are going to go one better than last season in winning the Premier League title.

One of the curious aspects of the first two games has been the absence of Gabriel in the starting line-up.

Alongside William Saliba, Gabriel was a key starter in Arsenal’s defence last season, but Ben White has won the starting role alongside Saliba so far. Amid his lack of starts - even in this young season - there has been talk that Gabriel could push for an exit, despite reported interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

The Brazilian likely has the opportunity to earn megabucks in Saudi, but Arsenal fans will be pleased to know that the club don’t plan to sell Gabriel under any circumstances. That’s according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who has tweeted: “Understand Arsenal have no intention to sell Gabriel Magalhaes despite Al Ittihad interest.

“Arsenal not even intentioned to indicate a price tag for Brazilian centre-back at this stage. He’s expected to stay.”

Gabriel is under contract until 2027 as things stand, meaning Arsenal have a firm grip on the centre-back’s future, and with Ben White also able to play at ful-back, it’s very likely Gabriel will get his chance to reclaim a starting role.