Report: Barcelona interested in Arsenal defender Gabriel

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Arsenal may face a battle to keep Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, with Sport in Spain reporting that Barcelona want the centre-back.

Sport reports that Arsenal do not have a lot of money to spend in the upcoming window. And with that, they have set their sights on potential swap deals. And Barca are one of the teams they have spoken to.

In fact, Sport suggests that the Gunners have looked at a raft of Barca players. The report mentions Neto, Memphis Depay and Riqui Puig. But interestingly, the Catalan giants have made clear which player they would like in a swap.

According to Sport, Barcelona have placed Gabriel at the top of their list. Xavi wants to sign a left-sided centre-back ahead of next season.

Arsenal will need to produce something special if Gabriel left for Barcelona

Gabriel has not been perfect this season. But there is absolutely no question that he is an amazing talent. And his partnership with Ben White could be huge for Arsenal in the years to come.

Mikel Arteta spoke this season of the defender having an ‘incredible future‘ ahead. So you would imagine that Arsenal would have absolutely no interest in letting the Brazilian leave.

He is under contract until 2025. So Arsenal are not under pressure to sell. But clearly, joining Barcelona – particularly now that Xavi is at the helm – is an attractive proposition.

If he did register an interest in leaving, Arsenal would need to pull something special out of the bag.

They do have William Saliba on the books. But both Saliba and White have played on the right this season. So it would not be an easy transition by any means.

In truth, it is hard to see Barcelona offering a player in exchange that would make Arsenal offloading Gabriel seem worthwhile.