According to reports, Arsenal may be offered a fresh opportunity to sign Juventus star Arthur Melo this summer - but it comes at a heavy price for the Gunners.
The Brazilian was linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium throughout the January window as Edu and Mikel Arteta attempted to bolster the club's midfield options. He was seen as a priority target for the Gunners this winter but in the end a move failed to come to fruition as the two failed to see eye-to-eye on the duration of a loan deal - the Italians preferring an 18-month switch, whilst Arsenal only wanted to welcome him until the end of the current campaign.
Nevertheless, Arsenal could still sign the £18m-rated midfielder, if the latest reports are to be believed. According to Gianluca di Marzio, via The Express, Juventus are hoping to land Gabriel Magalhaes - who has featured in every Premier League match for Arsenal since the end of August - in the not-too-distant future.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Edu told what they must do to sign Victor Osimhen as PSG join transfer battle
The Italian giants have reportedly devised a plan to tempt the Gunners by negotiating the services of Arthur when they eventually decide to firm up their interest in Gabriel ahead of next season.
Juventus aren't the only side interested in Gabriel, either. Reports emerged in Spain last month that Barcelona 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 understand that Gabriel is at the top of that list.
Selling Gabriel looks unlikely, however, meaning a swap deal is probably not going to happen. The Gunners are not expected to entertain offers for a player who Arteta views as integral to his project in north London.
