Euro Paper Talk: Arsenal resist incredible Saudi advances for top star even at €200m; Chelsea still want Brugge sensation despite £23m snub
Gabriel Magalhaes was a reported target for Saudi clubs over the summer
Arsenal never had any thoughts towards selling a top centre-back this summer even at a whopping €200m, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims that Chelsea are still chasing a teenage sensation who they failed to land in the closing days of the transfer window.
ARTETA ADAMANT OVER GABRIEL EXIT STANCE
It’s been reported that Arsenal never had any intention of selling Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, not even at €200million as Saudi clubs circled.
The Brazilian centre-back was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, although no concrete discussions actually took place.
And now transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Gunners would never have done business anyway.
He claims, from sources close to the Gabriel-Saudi links that a transfer ‘not even for €200m!” would have gone through, that is how highly Mikel Arteta rates his top central defender.
Real Madrid also wanted to buy the former Lille star as they were in the market for reinforcements at centre-back after Eder Militao picked up a long-term injury at the very beginning of the new season.
Gabriel back with a bang against United
And, while Gabriel was surprisingly left on the bench for the first three games of the Premier League season, he was back in the starting XI against Manchester United last weekend.
The 25-year-old also started in every league game last term and only missed three games in 2021-22.
However, his absence at the start of the campaign led to rumours the Gunners could have been looking to cash in. However, that was never the case and the Brazilian is not set for an extended run in the side after his impressive display against United.
There is also the small matter of Jurrien Timber’s likely season-ending injury, so selling Gabriel, even for a huge sum, would have made zero sense for Arteta.
CHELSEA KEEPING TABS ON TEEN SENSATION
Chelsea are continuing to monitor Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa after seeing a £23m offer for the 18-year-old rejected on deadline day. (Various)
Newcastle made the ‘most direct’ approach to sign Ballon d’Or nominee Nicolo Barella this summer. (Corriere dello Sport)
Tottenham sounded out Jordi Cruyff for a sporting director role with the club but were told he would prefer a return to management. (Diario Sport)
Liverpool target Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent says the 22-year-old Georgia international is happy at Napoli and that “we never talked about wanting to change club”. (CalcioNapoli24)
Everton flop Jean-Philippe Gbamin is a potential target for Real Betis as they eye up free transfer options to further strengthen their squad. (Estadio Deportivo)
Barcelona are looking to offer Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong a reduced contract similar to the deal they struck with Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (Football Espana)
Real Madrid legend Raul is set to become Villarreal’s new head coach. (Marca)
POGBA POISED FOR NEW JUVE DEAL
Juventus are set to make midfielder Paul Pogba a proposal for a new contract. (Calciomercato)
Inter have already started to think ahead to the January transfer window by considering a low-cost deal for Lille defender Tiago Djalo. (Tuttosport)
Celtic are refusing to let go of 18-year-old Lazio target Rocco Vata. (Corriere dello Sport)
Marcelo Flores is leaving Arsenal and is set to join Liga MX side Tigres on a permanent deal. (Fabrizio Romano)
Southampton were one of the clubs to be credited with a failed move for KRC Genk star Joseph Paintsil this summer. (Het Belang van Limburg)
Benfica president Rui Costa said Goncalo Ramos’ loan move to PSG this summer allowed his club to “keep many players.” (Record)
Milan have reportedly started negotiations to renew Mike Maignan’s contract and his entourage have been clear with his demands of between €8-10m net per season. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
