Real Madrid identify Arsenal star as ‘perfect’ signing but face one stumbling block in transfer pursuit: Reports

Real Madrid have set their sights on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to Fichajes.net. The report, however, adds that a move away from the Emirates is next to impossible.

The Brazilian has established himself as an indispensable part of Mikel Arteta's backline in recent times. Gabriel joined the Gunners in the summer of 2020 from Lille for a reported fee of £27m, including add-ons.

He has since been a rock at the back for the north London side and has turned heads at multiple clubs across Europe. This season, the 26-year-old has appeared 19 times across competitions for Arsenal, starting all but one game and has chipped in with four goals.

Real Madrid are impressed with his efforts and are already planning to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu. The reigning LaLiga champions are eager to reinforce their backline amid a spat of injuries.

David Alaba remains unavailable with an ACL injury picked up last year. Eder Militao has joined him on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL last month.

The situation has prompted Carlo Ancelotti to start youngster Raul Asencio alongside Antonio Rudiger at the back of late. Los Blancos want to address the situation in 2025 and have set their sights on Gabriel.

However, prising him away from Arsenal won't be easy. The player has a market value of €70m but the Gunners are likely to hold out for a fee above €100m.

Even a colossal bid might not do the trick for Real Madrid. The north London side are eager to regain their glory days and want to keep their core team intact. Gabriel is under contract at the Emirates until 2027.

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Are Real Madrid eyeing another Arsenal defender?

Gabriel Magalhaes

Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid also have their eyes on William Saliba. The French defender has also been outstanding for Arsenal in recent seasons.

Saliba is a long-term target for Los Blancos and they could go for the kill in 2025. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30 and Eder Militao has suffered two ACL injuries in two seasons.

The LaLiga giants are looking to address the situation next summer, although they are also open to a move in January. However, it has also been reported that Arsenal are planning to tie Saliba down to a new deal. Real Madrid have also been linked with Jonathan Tah, who will become a free agent next summer.