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LONDON: Arsenal signed Brazilian central defender Gabriel Magalhaes of French Lille on a long-term contract, announced the Premier League club on Tuesday (1 September).
The main financial points of the deal were revealed, but british media reported that Arsenal had paid about 27 million pounds ($36.29 million) for the 22-year-old.
Gabriel played 34 games in all competitions with Lille last season while finished fourth in Ligue 1.He was also loaned to French club Troyes and Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb during their three years in Lille.
“So many enthusiasts sent me messages asking me to sign up for Arsenal and that played a big component in my signing for this club,” Gabriel told the club’s website.
“It was a very surreal experience, there were donations from some other clubs.
“I have spoken a lot with my circle of relatives and my agents, I have also spoken to some Lille executives, however, as I said, the history and traditions of this club and the assignment of the team in the coming years have been very motivating for my resolve to come here.”
Gabriel is Arsenal’s first signing at the end of the season after compatriot Willian arrived in a move loose last month.
He joins the North London club as coach Mikel Arteta seeks his defense in the new crusade with central defender William Saliba, who was signed last year and loaned to St Etienne, who is also expected to make his debut this season.
“He (Gabriel) has many qualities that will make us more powerful as a defensive unit and as a team,” Arteta said.
“He has shown with Lille that he is a defender with many notable attributes and we look forward to seeing him grow as an Arsenal player.”
Arsenal, who won the Community Shield last week by beating Liverpool 5-4 on penalties, begins his new Premier League cross with a pass to Fulham on 12 September.