The agent of Arsenal-bound defender Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed the player rejected more lucrative offers from other top clubs in order to move to the Emirates
The Brazilian star was at Arsenal’s training ground on Monday to undergo a medical with the gunners ahead of his £22million transfer move to the club.
Arsenal saw off competition from Italian side Napoli, Manchester United and Everton for Gabriel’s signature and the work of Mikel Arteta are said to have been vital in his decision.
The decision was not down solely to finances as his agent has confirmed he could have earned far more elsewhere but for Edu’s work in convincing the player about the ‘project’ at the Emirates.
‘Arsenal was nowhere near the best proposal [money wise],’ Guilherme Miranda told Freddie Paxton of the Guardian.
‘Gabriel chose them over more lucrative offers because Edu convinced us of the project. It’s 100% because of Edu Gaspar and Arteta.’
Arteta will be happy with Gabriel’s decision to sign for the club and he arrives at Arsenal alongside fellow youngster William Saliba, who joined last summer but stayed on loan at St Etienne.
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Arsenal will be hoping both players can form a good partnership in the heart of their defence to help solve the defensive issues they’ve experienced in recent years.
Gabriel will become the London side’s second signing of the summer window after the arrival of Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea but Arteta hopes to make more signings.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey remains a leading target for Arteta, but the club may decide on signing another midfielder if Dani Ceballos’ stay is not extended.
