Juventus Target Arsenal Defender Gabriel Magalhaes to Replace Chiellini

According to Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio (via ESPN), Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer.

In order to save the club from a defensive collapse, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri will be looking to reinforce the backline. At the same time, he will also be looking to create consistency in the defence by bringing in an ideal signing in the summer.

Giorgio Chiellini is about to leave Juventus this summer and to fill in his shoes, Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal has been selected as the Italian side’s primary target. The characteristics the Brazilian possesses are something the Serie A side are looking for ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Juventus, Gabriel — Image obtained via Twitter/@biel_m04

The lack of defensive cohesion is one of the prime reason of Juventus’s mediocre performance. Therefore, to save themselves from a huge let-down, they are targeting a centre-back who will keep the backline secure and will also serve them long-term.

The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer under Mikel Arteta. He was impressive in the Gunners’ vital 2-1 win away at West Ham United last weekend. So the negotiations will not be a bed of roses i.e., of agreeable ease for the Bianconeri. Arsenal will definitely battle to hold onto their player as they are looking to keep his services for the coming seasons.

Previously, Football London reported that FC Barcelona were interested in the Brazilian’s services. However, Arsenal were not interested in the offer presented by the Catalan giants for their star defender, given the 24-year-old is said to be the centre of the project at the club.

Therefore, the Old Lady will try to sweeten the deal by offering a swap deal. Earlier, it was known that the Gunners wanted to sign Arthur Melo during the January transfer window. They could take advantage of the North London side’s previous interest in Arthur by including him in the deal.

🚨 Juventus are seriously interested in Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal and will try to enter into negotiations, also focusing on the fact that the Gunners like several Juve players [@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/3siYZfe1af

— Transfer Live (@transferlivecom) May 2, 2022

The Gunners failed to sign the Brazilian midfielder due to the Italian club’s unusual demand of an 18-month loan deal. However, this might not be an option in the summer. Although Arthur was clearly of interest in January, he might not be a target anymore.

The Brazilian centre-back too gave encouragement to Arsenal in regards to strong interests from other clubs by stating:

“Well in my first season I certainly learned a lot. It’s been a real challenge here and I am more and more settled every day.”

“But I feel good, I feel at home at Arsenal. It’s a great squad to be a part of and together I am sure we can achieve a lot. I am very happy here.”

So far, Gabriel seems to have had an excellent time with the North London side ever since his arrival in 2020. He has established himself as a young promising defender for the Gunners, tailing alongside Kieran Tierney and summer signings Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White. Altogether, they have formed a formidable defence at the Emirates.

Gabriel is only twenty-four and still has years ahead for him to make more progress and rise to the top. Therefore, it will be strange to see him part ways with Arsenal as he still believes in contributing and learning under the leadership of Mikel Arteta.

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