Arsenal have bolstered their defence for next season with the signing of centre back Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian has joined from French outfit Lille in a £27million transfer and has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners.
The 22-year-old will link up in north London with fellow Brazilians David Luiz, Gabriel Martinelli and Willian – the latter having recently joined on a free transfer from Chelsea.
He will wear the No 6 shirt at the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told the club’s official website: ‘He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.
‘He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”
Arsenal technical director Edu revealed there had been plenty of interest in Gabriel’s signature.
‘He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand by many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player,’ said Edu.
‘Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.’
Gabriel revealed fellow Brazilian Edu had helped convince him Arsenal was the club to take his career forward.
Speaking to Arsenal Digital, the defender said: ‘(Edu and I) had several chats about Arsenal and the new project, we had many good conversations.
‘As the days went by I was getting very excited about it, then I had a call from the coach and that was very reassuring.
‘Having the coach himself calling you to say he wants you in his squad motivates you a lot. That is the very reason I am here today.
‘We did not talk about (details), he just told me he is aware of my quality, my capacity and how far I can go. He also said he will be very demanding with me.
‘I know he is a great coach and I will make progress with his help.’
Gabriel continued: ‘So many fans were sending me messages asking me to join Arsenal, and that played a big part in me signing for this club.
‘I know the history and traditions of this club and it is a pleasure being here. I am very happy and hope I can contribute to many titles with the Arsenal shirt.
‘It was a very surreal experience, there were offers coming from a few different clubs.
‘I spoke a lot with my family and my agents, I also spoke with some of Lille’s directors but, as I said, this club’s history and traditions and the team project for the next few years were very motivational for my decision to come here.
‘So here I am, wearing the Arsenal shirt, I will give my best for it.’
