Arsenal handing Gabriel new contract could kill off cheap January deal

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Arsenal’s decision to hand Gabriel Magalhaes a new and improved contract at the Emirates Stadium could see the Gunners pass up on the chance to land an exciting player for a bargain fee in the January transfer window. Gabriel signed a long-term extension to his previous deal at Arsenal earlier this week to commit his future to the north Londoners until at least the summer of 2027.

The Brazilian centre-back has struck up a formidable partnership with William Saliba in defence for Arsenal this season and looks set to play a major role in helping them to maintain their surprise Premier League title charge for as long as possible. It remains to be seen whether Gabriel’s new deal will affect Arsenal’s transfer plans for the January window and beyond, with his newly-extended contract reducing the need to sign another central defender as a matter of priority.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Frankfurt ace Evan N’Dicka in recent weeks, although their decision to hand Gabriel a new deal casts fresh doubts over whether they will look to snap him up at the turn of the year. The 23-year-old has turned plenty of heads with his impressive performances for the German outfit over the course of the campaign so far, which has led to a handful of clubs registering their interest in his services in advance of the mid-season market.

AC Milan and Juventus have already reached out to Frankfurt regarding a move for N’Dicka, according to Calciomercato, and have been quoted an asking price of around £10.4million in exchange for his signature. However, Arsenal are said to believe that a deal can be done for as little as £7m if those in power at the Emirates Stadium decide to firm up their interest in the not-too-distant future.

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N’Dicka has been closely watched by Arsenal for a number of years and is thought to be a long-term target for the Gunners, who spent a combined total of almost £120m on new players during the summer months. His arrival would suit Mikel Arteta’s preferred transfer policy of signing quality young players with sky-high potential, while his versatility as a left-footed centre-back saw him touted as a potential replacement for Gabriel before the latter was given a contract extension.

Gabriel’s new deal may see the idea of a move for N’Dicka put on the backburner for the foreseeable future, with no obvious reason to launch a bid for his services given that the Brazilian defender is seemingly going nowhere. Arsenal already have Rob Holding to deputise at centre-back when either of their first-choice starters are deemed unfit for selection and N’Dicka is unlikely to accept a bit-part role in north London as a result of his undroppable status at Frankfurt.

Reports had previously suggested that Gabriel was weighing up the possibility of leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, but his decision to put pen to paper suggests that he is happy to continue with the Gunners after enjoying a strong start to the new Premier League campaign. He insisted after signing his new deal that he feels at home in his current surroundings and paid tribute to the club’s supporters, who he feels have played a significant role in shaping Arsenal’s rise to the top of the table.

“I’m very happy to sign this new contract with Arsenal, because it’s such a big club,” Gabriel told Arsenal’s official website. “It’s my dream and today is the best day of my life.

“I’m so happy to extend my contract here. Every game the supporters are pushing the team in the stadium. It’s why I’m so happy to stay here. Arsenal is my home.”

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