Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel from Arsenal this summer football.london understands.
Reports emerged in Spain on Tuesday claiming that La Blaugrana were interested in signing the 24-yera-old as Xavi continues his rebuild at the Nou Camp. With both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti likely to leave this summer the five-time Champions League winners are expected to be on the hunt for a left footed centre back this summer, and football.london can confirm that Gabriel is at the top of that list.
Arsenal are understood to be aware of the situation, however, they are not expected to entertain offers for a player who Mikel Arteta views as integral to his project in North London.
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Since arriving in 2020, Gabriel has established himself as a crucial part of the backline. Alongside Kieran Tierney and summer signings Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White he has helped to form a formidable defence that has managed to keep 12 clean sheets this season - a tally bettered only by Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has proved to be such a leader at the club that many view him as a contender to take over the captaincy if Alexandre Lacazette leaves when his contract at the Emirates Stadium expires at the end of the season.
"We know that he's a player with an incredible future and is already giving us a lot," said Arteta of Gabriel after Arsenal's win over Burnley in September. "He has adapted really well to the league. That's why we signed him.
"He is stepping in, his language is much better and he can coach and communicate much better with his teammates. He understands what we want and I don't think it gets much harder than playing here in the Premier League."
Arsenal have had recent history in dealing with Barcelona in the transfer market after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swapped North London for Catalonia in the winter window this season. The Gabon international has gone on to score eight goals in nine La Liga matches since his arrival.
This though is unlikely to affect their decision over Gabriel who is viewed as crucially important, with some reports suggesting that he may be offered a new contract this summer to ward off any further interest. William Saliba meanwhile is still expected to return to North London when his loan with Marseille finishes at the end of the season, with conversations over his long-term future set to be held then.
