Mikel Arteta insists Gabriel is NOT for sale amid strong interest from Real Madrid and Saudi Arabian clubs after the defender was again left out of Arsenal’s starting XI against Crystal Palace
- Gabriel was overlooked in both of Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixtures
- Mikel Arteta was adamant his absence was nothing more than a tactical decision
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Mikel Arteta has ruled out an exit for defender Gabriel following his relegation to the Arsenal bench and interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The Gunners boss watched his side battle to a hard-fought 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Monday night thanks for a second-half penalty from skipper Martin Odegaard.
Having gone down to ten men after the dismissal of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel – who has been a mainstay in the team under Arteta – came on to shore up the defence just as he did on the opening day against Nottingham Forest.
But despite his benching casting doubt on his long-term future at the Emirates, Arteta was adamant the move was simply tactical, insisting his recent absence from the starting line-up carried no greater meaning.
‘Nothing at all. It’s about the games we were expecting,’ he said post-match. ‘How I wanted to defend and attack.
Gabriel made his second substitute appearance of the season in Monday night’s win at Palace
Mikel Arteta expects the defender to play a lot of games with Arsenal looking to go deep in the Champions League upon their return to the competition
Real Madrid are in the market for a centre back this summer after the injury to Eder Militao
‘I believe it was the best thing, he played in both games and helped us win both games. He was really good today when he came on, he was dominant and will play a lot of games.’
The Premier League challenges are likely to see their resolve tested in the coming days ahead of the close of the transfer window amid strong interest from Real Madrid and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
As revealed in Mail Sport’s Transfer Confidential on Monday, the Spanish giants have a genuine interest in the centre-back following the long-term injury to Eder Militao.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his squad is well stocked for defenders but they remain in the market for cover and see the 25-year-old as a viable alternative despite his contentment in north London.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad are also reportedly eyeing a deal for the Brazilian defender.
