Arsenal signing this 22-year-old Ligue 1 starlet would make for a shrewd defensive addition

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Arsenal should go for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer

According to Le10 Sport (h/t The Metro), Arsenal turned to new signing Pablo Mari after several failed bids for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Lille swiftly rejected all the offers as they did not match the valuation of their defender. (h/t The Metro)

Gabriel Magalhaes, 22, has been in impressive form for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, starting in 30 games across four competitions and scoring one goal. After a strong first-half in the 2019/20 Ligue 1 campaign, Lille has rewarded the Brazilian defender with a new contract until 2023.

Despite the 22-year-old extending his deal with Lille, Arsenal, along with Everton, remain interested in the defender and could increase their bids in the summer, the report adds. (h/t The Metro)

Lille's Brazilian defender Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes (R) fights for the ball with Montpellier's French forward Gaetan Laborde during the French L1 football match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Montpellier Herault Sport Club (MHSC) at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, on December 13, 2019. (Getty Images)
Lille’s Brazilian defender Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes (R) fights for the ball with Montpellier’s French forward Gaetan Laborde during the French L1 football match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Montpellier Herault Sport Club (MHSC) at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, on December 13, 2019. (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was keen to strengthen his options in central defence after a season-ending injury to Calum Chambers. He managed to bring in Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo during the last week of the January window. Southampton’s Cedric Soares then followed days later, with the Portuguese right-back signing a six-month deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have struggled defensively this season, conceding 34 goals in 25 league games so far. Arsenal’s inability to find a formidable and consistent centre-back pairing has majorly been the reason behind their poor form this season, which sees them at 10th place in the table right now.

Thus, defensive reinforcements were rightly needed and Arteta did a smart job by signing Mari and Cedric last month. However, with David Luiz and Sokratis Papastathopoulos entering their 30s, and Shkodran Mustafi being unreliable, Arsenal still lack quality at the back. Rob Holding too has failed to impress after returning from a long injury lay-off.

Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)

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To put things simply, Arteta should rekindle his interest in Gabriel Magalhaes during the summer transfer window. Gabriel has been a regular in the starting XI this term for Lille, who have conceded only 25 goals. The 22-year-old centre-back has decent Champions League experience as well under his belt.

Verdict

Gabriel would add quality to Arsenal’s defensive ranks, whilst bringing in some much-needed competition. Thus, the Gunners must secure the talented centre-back’s signature in the summer.