Perry Groves backs ‘intelligent’ Gabriel to give Arsenal hope

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Former Arsenal favourite Perry Groves has backed Gabriel Magalhaes to be a decent signing for the Gunners during a recent Talksport interview.

The Brazilian checked in at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week, arriving from Lille for a fee of £23 million (BBC).

Last season, the stylish central defender helped Lille to a fourth-place finish before the Ligue 1 season was cancelled.

The 22-year-old has been sought after throughout the summer by boss Mikel Arteta and he’s penned a long-term deal with the Gunners.

Groves spent six years at Arsenal between 1986-1992 and he thinks the Gunners are on the right track with their latest deal.

The ex-winger told Talksport: “He’s 22 and he’s a left-sided centre-half, I know Arsenal have Mari to play there too but Gabriel is very intelligent in his positioning for someone of his age.

“He’s strong, he’ll win a lot of duels and I’ve seen him a few times and what he does do is defend space very well. Gabriel has a sixth sense of where to be to defend stuff.

“His passing range is very good, he likes hitting long diagonal balls and I also feel he can play in a back four or a back three.

“The positivity is in the signings that Arteta is making and the way he wants Arsenal to play. There is hope there.”

TBR View – Patience required with defensive recruit

Time will tell whether or not Gabriel becomes a good signing for the Gunners but it certainly looks like an upgrade.

Shkodran Mustafi could be the fall guy in this deal, although at this stage it remains to be seen what the future holds for the German.

Given his age and that he’s come from the French top-flight, Gabriel will probably need a bit of time to get up to scratch.

If Arsenal fans – and Arteta – are patient with him though, the ex-Lille man could prove to be one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.