Gabriel Magalhaes details how Arsenal fans persuaded him to seal transfer

Gabriel has revealed Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s fans persuaded him to move to North London.

Arsenal have completed a £27m deal with Lille for the 22-year-old after beating off competition from Everton, Manchester United and Napoli.

It must be seen as a major coup for Arteta but Gabriel revealed that it was Arsenal’s fans on social media that played a major role.

Gabriel said: “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 and come on you Gunners!”

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Arsenal’s social media following has built up a bad reputation down the years with the Wenger Out Brigade while rival fans laugh at Arsenal Fan TV.

This time they have more than played their part along with Arteta whose personal phone call to Gabriel also sold him a vision of how he can fit in at the Emirates.

Gabriel, who has represented Brazil at youth level, also spoke to fellow countryman Edu who has monitored his progress after an outstanding season in France.

Gabriel 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.”

It was also a similar story for Dani Ceballos who is re-signing on another year-long loan deal after his impressive finish to the campaign when he flourished alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield.

Real Madrid gave the green light and Arsenal have agreed a deal with Ceballos and still harbour hopes that if it goes well there could be a permanent deal next summer.

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