Former BBC journalist David Ornstein has revealed that the Gunners still have an eye on a potential defensive acquisition with the signing of Willian now expected to be wrapped up soon. 

After securing a piece of silverware in his first season as Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta will be aiming for a much better campaign next term, but of course that will require some spending in the transfer market this summer.

The Gunners’ manager has previously been linked with a move for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes – as per France Bleu – as he looks to bolster his leaky defense which conceded several goals last season.

And indeed, according to David Ornstein, Arsenal do have a ‘credible’ interest in the 22-year-old who has emerged as one of the brightest prospects from the French top flight over the past year.  Speaking on his YouTube show ‘Ask Ornstein‘, The Athletic journalist said:

“Arsenal’s interest is credible. They do like him a lot. He’s been high up on their scouting reports for a long time now and it would be a deal potentially that Mikel Arteta would like to do to bolster Arsenal’s defence.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

The 2019/20 campaign was another one to forget for the Arsenal defense and therefore it comes as no surprise that the club has been linked with various defenders left and right, so far this summer.

Magalhaes is a player with considerable potential and he would certainly be a useful addition for the future if signed. However, especially after addition of William Saliba last summer, the club has to look beyond players with mere potential when shopping for defensive targets.

Based on how desperate Arteta’s back-line is in need of strengthening, a defender with a great deal of experience would have been more desirable than Magalhaes. After all, this club is in need of players who can bring immediate success.

Nonetheless, the 22-year-old has shown over the past 12 months that he has what it takes to be nurtured into a star.

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