It seems as Arsenal fans we have to wait a long time for things like transfer and contract announcements. It’s just not fair is it?
But us nervous folk have been reassured by a reliable Italian journalist. The reliable Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal are planning to announce the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes this week. He says the contract has already been signed (until 2025, a five-year deal).
Arsenal fans were confident of the Brazilian arriving after tracking his flight to London at the start of the week. It seems Arsenal are taking their time but fans will have to wait to see Gabriel in action anyway, as he is thought to have started a 14 day quarantine period at the start of the week.
Read our feature on Gabriel Magalhaes, which includes extensive analysis of Arsenal’s new signing.
As a left-footed central defender, he plays as a left centre back and has to date featured in a back four for Lille, alongside former Southampton defender Jose Fonte. An area he sometimes struggles in is his concentration, the experienced Fonte excels in this aspect and so they have formed a successful partnership – something Arteta will need to consider when integrating Gabriel into the Arsenal side.
22-year-old Gabriel is physically strong, standing at 6ft 3’, very quick and comfortable with the ball at his feet. This is a rare blend of qualities for a central defender, especially one of his age. It’s not often you see a quick, tall strong and composed defender aged just 22. Admittedly to date, he has only demonstrated these qualities in the French league, but he plays with a maturity beyond his years and should adapt to the Premier League.