Mikel Arteta reportedly drew up a transfer shortlist in case one Arsenal star left for Saudi Arabia last year.
The Middle Eastern state last summer took to football in a big way, luring the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and N’Golo Kante to Saudi Arabia with eye-watering contracts in a bid to grow the sport in the country.
With this summer expected to see Saudi Arabia again flex their financial muscle, Arsenal players have not been exempt from interest, with Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus just two names who have been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League in recent days.
And one Arsenal star was seemingly close to making such a move last summer.
Gabriel Magalhaes eyed by Saudi Arabia as Arsenal drew shortlist
According to the Athletic, Gabriel Magalhaes was wanted by Saudi Arabia as Arsenal expected a bid last summer for the Brazilian international, with Arteta even drawing up a shortlist of replacements.
With Gabriel missing the first three games of the season, the interest from Saudi Arabia was seemingly strong enough that the defender had to be taken out of the starting XI amid an ongoing transfer storm.
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However, as we know, interest in Gabriel passed, and the 26-year-old defender went on to form a key part in Arsenal’s title bid alongside William Saliba, where the duo helped David Raya win the Golden Glove award.
Lauded as ‘outstanding’ by Kieran Gibbs, Gabriel leaving Arsenal for any fee would have been considered a disastrous move for the Gunners, and the decision made by Arteta ultimately kept the Brazilian in north London.
Arsenal can’t allow Saudi Arabia to lure away their star players
Gabriel might have remained at Arsenal last summer, but with Saudi Arabia set to return this year with even more money to lure Europe’s biggest and best, the Gunners can’t be tempted by the riches of the Middle East.
Whilst some players being offloaded to Saudi Arabia for big bucks, the likes of Gabriel should be off the table entirely for Arsenal, who are building quite the team under Arteta.
Indeed, Arsenal have to ensure they keep the core of the squad intact this summer, and the north London side must do all they can to fight off interest from Saudi Arabia for their star players.