Deal Close – Barcelona ‘discuss potential three players’ in swap deal transfer talks for Arsenal star Gabriel
According to Spanish media, Barcelona has considered the possibility of offering three players to Arsenal in exchange for center-back Gabriel Magalhaes. Following the appointment of Xavi last November, the Catalan giants are prepared to resume their ambitious recruitment drive in order to reclaim their spot at Europe’s top table.
In January, the Spaniard signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Adama Traore on loan, and more big names could come.
Barcelona has already completed the free transfers of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen from AC Milan and Chelsea, respectively, for next season.
Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Arsenal stalwart Gabriel as they attempt to bolster their defensive options, according to SPORT in Spain.
According to reports, Barcelona has explored sending Memphis Depay, Neto, or Riqui Puig the other way as part of a swap deal.
Arsenal is likely to spend heavily this summer in order to force their way back into contention, but the Gunners’ transfer plans will be driven by incomings rather than large sales.
While the Emirates Stadium is unlikely to be his final destination, Depay is a player who might return to the Premier League after a disastrous term with Manchester United.
In recent weeks, Tottenham has been linked with the Dutchman, who has been sidelined by Xavi.
While Barcelona’s new lucrative £235 million Spotify sponsorship contract has given them greater negotiating power in the transfer market, the club’s board is equally concerned about balancing the finances following recent extravagance that nearly bankrupted the club.
As a result, a number of Barcelona’s fringe players are likely to be offered in part-exchange deals.
Barcelona is looking to replace both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, who will be forced to the bench after slipping far down the pecking order.
Gabriel is the player on their radar after being signed by Arsenal from Lille in September 2020.
He’s done so well under Mikel Arteta that he’s now in the running to be picked to Brazil’s World Cup team for Qatar later this year.
His passing skill out of the back is reported to be appealing to Xavi, who prefers his team to build methodically from the back.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is unlikely to accept the thought of unloading Gabriel, who has been a key figure in the club’s rebuilding.
At the heart of Arsenal’s defense, the 24-year-old has built an established connection with Ben White.
Despite two poor performances in back-to-back Premier League defeats to Crystal Palace and Brighton, Gabriel has led Arsenal to 13 clean sheets in 27 Premier League appearances this season.
Arsenal is likely to spend heavily this summer in order to force their way back into contention, but the Gunners’ transfer plans will be driven by incomings rather than large sales.
While the Emirates Stadium is unlikely to be his final destination, Depay is a player who might return to the Premier League after a disastrous term with Manchester United.
In recent weeks, Tottenham has been linked with the Dutchman, who has been sidelined by Xavi.
