Gabriel Magalhaes makes transfer stance clear as Real Madrid plot Arsenal raid

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has emerged as a transfer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer. The Brazilian defender has impressed during his time at the Emirates Stadium - but was dropped from the Gunners' starting XI in the Premier League season opening win against Nottingham Forest.

Gabriel was a rock at the back for Arsenal last season as he started all 38 Premier League matches, the only outfielder to do so in Mikel Arteta's squad. The 25-year-old defender was named among the substitutes with new signing Jurrien Timber being given the nod at left-back - while Thomas Partey shifted to right-back, allowing Ben White to partner William Saliba at centre-back.

Arteta's tactical tweak surprised many fans and with Timber's unfortunate knee injury on his debut - it could see Gabriel return to the starting XI against Crystal Palace on Monday night. The Brazilian's impressive season last term has seen him be rewarded with a first international call-up for Brazil's upcoming fixtures in September.

Gabriel has been linked with a potential exit in the last 12 months with interest from Juventus and the Saudi Pro League. Now, Madrid have also been rumoured to be admirers of the 25-year-old after suffering their own injury crisis at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Brazil international Eder Militao suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is set to miss the majority of the 2023/24 campaign. Carlo Ancelotti is keen to find a replacement for Militao as he recovers from the same injury that Timber suffered - with Gabriel emerging as a target, according to the Daily Mail.

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The report adds that Gabriel is happy at Arsenal and is committed to helping Arteta's side challenge for the Premier League title once again this season. Arsenal fell short in their quest of winning a first Premier League title in 19 years as Manchester City completed a historic treble-winning campaign.