Despite having signed Pablo Mari on loan with an option to buy in the final week of the January transfer window, it appears Arsenal are intent on strengthening their defence on a permanent basis in the summer.

According to The Sun, the Gunners are monitoring Lille centre-back Gabriel ahead of a potential move for him in the summer, but that they have been warned he “will not come cheap after making an inquiry during the January transfer window”.

The report further claims the French side are likely to ask for almost £30m for the Brazilian, and their valuation of him is based on the reported £27m the Gunners paid to sign William Saliba from St Etienne.

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After hearing about their links to Gabriel, Arsenal fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Some fans felt that their reported interest in Gabriel would mean they would no longer be going after RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano – a player they have also been previously linked with.

One fan in particular meanwhile insisted Gabriel could be a “good long-term partner for Saliba”.

Having conceded 34 goals in 25 Premier League games this season, it is little surprise to hear reports that the north Londoners are keen on strengthening their back-line.

Despite the arrival of 18-year-old Saliba in the summer after his campaign on loan at St Etienne, the Gunners appear to be looking for a future centre-back partner for the Frenchman judging by the fact Gabriel himself is only 22.

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If Arsenal can manage to get a deal over the line for the 6 foot 3 powerhouse in the summer, then they could have the makings of a partnership that could last for several years at the very least.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has revealed the “unbelievable” thing Mikel Arteta did before the Man Utd win.