PSG observed two exceptional Arsenal players during Sunday’s triumph against Tottenham, and a source indicates that the Gunners have promptly initiated discussions on a new contract with the matchwinner.
Arsenal achieved their third consecutive away victory in the north London derby by defeating Tottenham 1-0 on Sunday. Set pieces were anticipated to be crucial in the match, and this was confirmed when Gabriel Magalhaes scored the sole goal from a corner.
Gabriel and his central defensive partner William Saliba effectively neutralized Spurs’ offensive efforts, as the pair were seen from the fans.
TBRFootball reports that representatives of PSG’s recruiting squad scouted both of Mikel Arteta’s central defenders in person during the match.
The Ligue 1 giants are reportedly monitoring both players closely in anticipation of potential future pursuits.
Nonetheless, the source said that Arsenal is resolutely opposed to relinquishing either defender. Consequently, it was asserted that ‘the increasing interest in Gabriel is one of the factors prompting the club to initiate discussions for a new long-term contract for the defender.’
Gabriel is under contract with Arsenal until 2027; nevertheless, despite having over three years left on his agreement, Arsenal is resolute in extending the 26-year-old’s tenure further.
EXAMINE FURTHER: The essential contractual specifics of each Arsenal first-team player: expiration dates, weekly salaries, representatives…
Real Madrid is a significant danger.
PSG is not the alone club monitoring Saliba closely. Juni Calafat, the esteemed scout for Real Madrid, was reportedly present for the north London derby.
Calafat allegedly documented observations on Cristian Romero and Saliba. Since Romero was responsible for Gabriel’s goal and Saliba contributed to Arsenal’s clean sheet, it is the Arsenal player who likely earned the more favorable assessment.
Gabriel has commenced the previous two matches for Brazil, partnering with Marquinhos, who serves as captain for PSG at the club level.
Their prior collaboration at the international level augurs positively for their synergy in Paris.
TEAMtalk’s sources suggest that Saliba is seen as a fundamental pillar at Arsenal.
The Gunners are resolute in retaining both of their starting centre-backs; yet, Saliba, being three years younger than Gabriel, is considered indispensable.
Additional left-back acquisition? / Updates on striker signings
Arsenal is pursuing an additional left-back, despite having acquired Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the past two summers.
TEAMtalk reports that the transaction would only be feasible if the Gunners first trade at least one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Kieran Tierney.
It is said that Arsenal-linked Egyptian striker, Omar Marmoush, is eager for the next phase of his playing career to commence in the Premier League.
In addition to Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, and Crystal Palace all expressing interest.
A prominent candidate to spearhead the attack is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Prior to Sporting’s Champions League debut against Lille, Gyokeres stated, “I do not wish to leave.”
Sporting can be excluded from consideration because to Gyokeres’ purported €100 million (£84.2 million / $111.3 million) release clause. However, persuading Gyokeres to go from Lisbon may prove to be tough.
Are Saliba and Gabriel the premier centre-back duo globally?
The duo constituted the foundation of an Arsenal team that allowed the least number of goals in the Premier League last season. Arsenal surrendered 29 goals, which is five fewer than the champions, Manchester City.
Utilizing the football database FBref.com, we have examined Arsenal’s defensive performance in comparison to the clubs who triumphed in Europe’s top five divisions during the 2023/24 season, and the findings are quite favorable for Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal
Arsenal achieved the premier defensive record in the Premier League for the 2023/24 season, conceding only 29 goals in 38 matches.
David Raya secured the Premier League Golden Glove title after maintaining 16 clean sheets in the top division, while Aaron Ramsdale contributed two clean sheets, resulting in a cumulative total of 18.
In the 2023/24 season, the Gunners had an Expected Goals Against (xGA) of 27.9, the lowest among Europe’s top five leagues.
Manchester City Football Club
Although City secured the Premier League championship in 2023/24, they surrendered five more goals than Arsenal and had just 13 clean sheets.
Pep Guardiola’s team recorded a significantly greater Expected Goals Against (xGA) than Arsenal, with a total of 35.6.
Real Madrid
In the 2023/24 LaLiga season, Real Madrid allowed only 26 goals in 38 matches and had 21 clean sheets, concluding the campaign 10 points ahead of Barcelona.
However, their Expected Goals Against was 35.4, above the 26 league goals conceded by 9.4. It is also significantly 7.5 xGA inferior to Arsenal’s score of 27.9.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen were celebrated for their captivating football during the 2023/24 season, although a robust defense was also important in securing their championship victory.
They allowed 24 goals in 34 Bundesliga matches and had 16 clean sheets during the season.
Although having played four less matches than Arsenal, Xabi Alonso’s team recorded a greater Expected Goals Against, totaling 29.9.
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club
In the 2023/24 season, PSG successfully defended their Ligue 1 championship, conceding nearly one goal per match with a total of 33 goals allowed in 34 matches.
They maintained just 12 clean sheets and registered an Expected Goals Against of 40.0, exceeding Arsenal’s xGA by 12.1.
Inter Milan
Inter has the most superior defensive record among Europe’s top five leagues, conceding only 22 goals in 38 Serie A matches.
Simone Inzaghi’s team maintained 21 clean sheets during the championship season, however they exceeded their Expected Goals Against, which was 31.2.
