Central defender Gabriel has joined us from French side Lille on a long-term contract.

Central defender Gabriel has joined us from French side Lille on a long-term contract.

The 22-year-old Brazilian has completed his move and will wear our number 6 shirt.

Gabriel, whose full name is Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes, started his career in Brazil with Avai FC, before joining Lille in January 2017. During his time in France, Gabriel spent time on loan with Troyes in France and latterly in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.
 
On returning from his loan spells, the Sao Paulo-born defender became a regular in the Lille side, helping them to a fourth-placed Ligue 1 finish last season and starting all six of their Champions League group-stage matches.

Technical director Edu said: “We are delighted to have signed Gabriel. He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player. Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”  

Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. 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.”
 
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.