While Arsenal's top-four hopes have taken a huge blow after losing back-to-back Premier League games, several players at the Emirates Stadium have impressed this season and have slowly seen their stocks rise.
Gabriel Magalhães is one of those players, with the Brazilian defender establishing a lovely partnership alongside Ben White at the heart of the Gunners' improving defense. However, his impressive displays have reportedly garnered the attention of a European powerhouse.
According to Sport, Spanish giants Barcelona are monitoring the former Lille ace and are interested in bringing him to the Camp Nou. Despite all but finalizing a deal for Andreas Christensen for free and edging closer to completing a contract renewal for Ronald Araujo, the Blaugrana wish to bolster their defense even further.
The reason is understandable. With Gerard Pique aging and Lenglet and Umtiti no longer preferred by Xavi, another addition could be required if the latter two depart Catalonia. The report adds that Barcelona are on the lookout for a left-footed center-back, which the Arsenal ace fits. However, the links to Gabriel are eye-catching nonetheless.
The north London giants only signed the Brazilian two years ago and there is little to suggest Arteta is keen on replacing the 24-year-old. Interestingly, rumors have emerged linking the north London giants with talented Torino center-back Gleison Bremer as a replacement, which has caught many off guard.
Then there is the potential return of William Saliba, Arsenal's highly-rated defender who can play on both the left hand and right. With Ben White impressing both the manager and fans, there is always the possibility of Saliba replacing Gabriel in Mikel's lineup should the Frenchman return to the club.
The South American won't come cheap, but Barcelona already have a plan to draw the asking price down, as Laporta's side are willing to offer three players as makeweights. They are Neto, Riqui Puig, and Memphis Depay. The Premier League side are a fan of all three players, namely the Dutch attacker, and as a result, the report concludes that Arsenal could be tempted into making a deal.
