Arsenal give blunt transfer response to European giants as €200m is requested for ‘untouchable’ star

According to reports, Arsenal have made it clear that centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is “untouchable” and he’s not for sale this summer.

The 25-year-old was superb for Arsenal last season as he formed an excellent partnership with France international William Saliba.

Despite this, Gabriel has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer. He was being monitored by Juventus earlier this summer but he has also caught the attention of the Saudi Pro League.

La Liga giants Real Madrid have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Gabriel as they are in the market for a replacement for Eder Militao.

Gabriel has started Arsenal’s first two games of the 2023/24 campaign as a substitute but he shone on Monday night after being brought on during his side’s 1-0 win at Selhurst Park over Crystal Palace.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that Arsenal “have no intention to sell” Gabriel this summer and club officials have “joked” that it “would take something like €200m to even start the negotiations”.

“Another important story is with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. He didn’t start against Crystal Palace last night, though he came on in the second half and played very well, showing again that he’s an important player, while he’s also always been a leader in the dressing room,” Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

“However, there have of course been big rumours about Al Ittihad being in London to try to convince Arsenal to sell Gabriel. However, my sources tell me ‘no way’ – Arsenal have no intention to sell or negotiate.

“This was the case before the Jurrien Timber injury, and even more so now, as to sell such an important player with ten days to go in the transfer window would be absolutely crazy.

“I’m also told there’s nothing concrete with any club – Saudi interest was never that strong. But anyway, someone told me it would take something like €200m to even start the negotiations, but it was a joke – the truth is that there is no asking price, no intention from Arsenal to negotiate at all. He’s an untouchable player and he will stay.”

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard thinks they “deserved the three points” against Crystal Palace and winning is more important than performances at this point of the season.

“It’s crucial. The start of the season is always tricky, it takes a bit of time before everyone finds their rhythm and their top form,” Odegaard said.

“So, it’s crucial to still get the three points and build on it from there. I’m very happy to win and I’m sure we’ll get better and better with every game.

“It was difficult, we had to dig deep and fight for it. When you come here you have to be able to suffer and we knew that before the game. We did that brilliantly and we deserved the three points.”