Arsenal star targeted for link up with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Arsenal Center-Back Gabriel Magalhaes is a transfer target for Saudi Pro League moneybags Al Nassr, reports have revealed, though the Gunners hope he’ll agree to sign a new contract at Emirates Stadium.

The 27-year-old, like teammates William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, has just over two years remaining on his current deal, with his stock as one of the world’s best centre-backs continuing to rise after another impressive campaign.

It’s likely Arsenal will come up short in their bid to win a first Premier League title since 2004, but they are still in the Champions League mix after blitzing PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the round of 16 – Real Madrid are their daunting opponents in the upcoming quarter-finals.

Arsenal’s encouraging displays in Europe, coupled with their domestic performance, could convince Gabriel that his long-term future still lies in north London, but hopes of tying him down may be complicated by interest from Al Nassr.

Boasting a squad containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran, Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte, the Saudi Pro League giants offer plenty of on-field quality in addition to an exceptionally lucrative pay packet.

GIVEMESPORT state that Arsenal aren’t looking to part ways with Gabriel, who would likely cost well in excess of €100m (£84m), and the club’s preference is to commit the Brazilian to a new contract. That notion is supported by BBC Sportwho state that talks over fresh terms have already been held.

But Al nassr are understood to have made an initial approach to Gabriel’s camp, indicating a willingness to pay an annual salary of around €20m (£16.8m) – three times what he’s currently earning at Arsenal, with the added bonus of it also being tax free.

Losing Gabriel would be a bitter blow for Arsenal, with Saliba’s long-term future also unclear amid mounting interest from Real Madrid. The Frenchman has publicly committed to Arsenal, stating a desire to win multiple trophies with the club and establish a legacybut the lure of playing for the 15-time Champions League winners is often too much to resist for any player.

Elsewhere, Thomas Partey and Jorginho are expected to leave Arsenal this summer, with both out of contract, suggesting a plethora of incomings may be needed to keep Mikel Arteta’s side challenging at the top of the Premier League table.

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