According to Goal, [player 97811] has arrived in London for his [team 19] medical. Arsenal agreed to a fee worth around 25 million pounds for the Brazilian. He is set to become Arteta’s second signing after [player 1317] from [team 18].
Various reports suggest that [team 14] contacted the player’s representatives last week. [team 597] and [team 13] also followed the youngster heavily throughout the window. However, Arsenal are expected to announce his signature soon.
Arsenal’s defensive issues
Last season Arsenal conceded a poor 48 goals. Their per game ratio in goals conceded was 1.3, which is not good enough. The players in the backline were not consistent because of injuries to the likes of [player 1901] and [player 186159]. [player 1333] was the only constant presence at the back.
Towards the end of last season, Arteta shifted to back three. The new defensive format worked well, with Luiz being at the heart of it. However, Arteta prefers a back four over the back three at the back. The full-back positions look settled now with [player 1362] and [player 172960] performing well. [player 31661] and [player 1899] can provide excellent back-up. However, a new top-quality ball-playing center half was necessary.
How good can Gabriel be next season!
Gabriel is a left-footed center half known for his ball-playing ability. The 22-year-old is a strong and aggressive defender. He possesses physical dominance over his opponent. As the stats show, he won 70% of his ground duals last season. Gabriel won 65% of his aerial duals as well. He completed 1.7 tackles per game in the [league 301] last season. Gabriel also recorded nearly one interception per game for [team 690]. The youngster also registered more than three clearances per 90.
The defensive stats are undoubtedly impressive. However, to play under Arteta’s style, a defender needs to be commanding in possession. Gabriel recorded an excellent 82% completion in his passing. He also played more than three successful long balls per 90. However, the most impressive passing stat is that the Brazilian completed a spectacular 5.7 progressive passes per game.
Overall, he looks a perfect signing for Arenal as they look forward to the first full season under Mikel Arteta. A partnership of two young defenders in [player 17544737] and Gabriel could work brilliantly.
