The Brazilian centre-back formed a key partnership with William Saliba last season and impressed in defence amid Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge.
But Mikel Arteta has decided to drop him from the starting XI this term, with Gabriel coming off the bench in wins over Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.
He was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s last match – a 2-2 home draw against Fulham – and it was thought that the Gunners were open to selling the defender.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright feels his former club are missing the presence of Gabriel, who has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old, though, has hinted that he will not be leaving north London this summer as he posted a picture of himself in Arsenal gear on Instagram on Thursday with the caption: ‘Ready to write a new story!!!’
Arteta has been urged to start Gabriel when Arsenal return to action on Sunday as they host Manchester United at the Emirates.
The Arsenal manager has tinkered him team this season with Ben White preferred at centre-back while midfielder Thomas Partey has been used as a right-back.
Gary Neville has predicted that Arteta will end his ‘experiment’ when the Gunners take on Erik ten Hag’s side in their next match.
‘Sometimes you need to go back to basics,’ Neville said. ‘I’d expect Mikel Arteta is going to end that experiment and go with a solid back four.’
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