Juventus could be set to hand Mikel Arteta a major blow in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports. Italian outlet Calciomercato report that Gabriel Magalhaes has emerged as a primary target ahead of the summer for Massimiliano Allegri's side.
The 24-year-old has featured 34 times for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, steering the Gunners within touching distance of clinching Champions League qualification. Gabriel, who sees his current contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2025, has impressed since arriving from Lille for £27million and attracted the interest of the Old Lady.
He has quickly become a pillar in Arteta's backline, welding a promising bond with centre-half partner Ben White. Though that link could be intercepted by the Italian giants, who are reportedly keen to sign the Brazil international as a replacement for the departing Giorgio Chiellini.
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Earlier this week, newspapers Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport reported that Juventus sporting director Federico Cherubini travelled to London for talks with Arsenal over a deal for the defender. It's believed that claimed that the Gunners are demanding at least €50million (around £42million) for Gabriel, unlocking a £15m profit.
Though, earlier this week, Arteta spoke of the importance of Arsenal recruiting this summer with European football on the cards. So, relinquishing Gabriel's services would prove a greater up-hill battle.
When asked if he expects another busy summer in terms of player recruitment, the Gunners boss said: "I am expecting so, yes. I think both competitions [the Champions League and Europa League] require a much larger squad because the amount of games you play is much bigger in both, so I don’t think [which you qualify for] makes a lot of difference or changes a lot.
"If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.
"You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time."
